President issues stern warning on social media, urging businesses to invest in proper data protection systems

'Data is a core national strategic asset and a fundamental human right in the AI era'

President Lee Jae Myung speaks at the third public-private joint review meeting on mega projects held at Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday. [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung speaks at the third public-private joint review meeting on mega projects held at Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday. [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung warned Wednesday that businesses can no longer expect to quietly bury personal data breaches caused by cost-cutting on privacy protection.

Lee posted the message on X, formerly Twitter, framing it as "advice to businesses that handle personal data."

"I urge you to properly put in place the personnel and systems needed to protect personal data," Lee said. "When an incident occurs, you will now face punitive fines far exceeding whatever costs you saved, along with severe criminal penalties — and class-action lawsuits will make it easy for victims to obtain civil damages as well."

Lee added that "in the AI era, data — including personal information — is a core national strategic asset and a fundamental element of human rights that must be protected."


sunpine@heraldcorp.com