LG Uplus to Fully Replace SIM Cards for Free Over Data Leak Fears

LG Uplus has been confirmed to have used subscribers' actual phone numbers in the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) stored on SIM cards. It was pointed out that this practice made it possible to estimate phone numbers, excluding country codes. In contrast, SK Telecom and KT use IMSI designed with random numbers or similar methods.

To resolve this security issue, LG Uplus will offer free SIM (USIM) replacement or updates to all customers.

Experts believe the likelihood of this IMSI issue leading to serious crimes like phone number cloning is low, but they analyzed that there is a risk of user location information being exposed at specific base stations. LG Uplus explained that it adopted the same method from the 2G era when introducing 4G and that it was not a violation of regulations.

The SIM updates and free replacements will begin on April 13th, and this measure targets approximately 11 million LG Uplus subscribers. LG Uplus plans to provide detailed guidance on replacement methods and procedures starting mid-April. The Consumers' Sovereignty Citizens' Coalition has urged for the waiver of early termination fees for customers wishing to cancel their service.