Bill seeks to block overseas transfer of sensitive genomic and biometric data

A bill has been proposed to fundamentally prevent the indiscriminate leakage of sensitive personal information, such as national genomic data and biometric data, overseas.

On Thursday, Rep. Eom Tae-young of the People Power Party, who serves on the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, introduced the “Partial Amendment to the Personal Information Protection Act” with these provisions.

The amendment essentially prohibits, in principle, the overseas transfer of sensitive information, such as genetic and biometric data. It only allows exceptions when the Personal Information Protection Commission deliberates and approves transfers deemed unavoidable for public safety and security. The amendment also imposes sanctions, such as imprisonment or fines, for illegal overseas transfers.

Current law lacks adequate procedures and oversight for overseas transfers. As a result, it is difficult to manage sensitive information sent abroad or to know how it is actually used.

Rep. Eom pointed out that Chinese-affiliated genomic analysis companies are currently analyzing genomic and biometric information collected from domestic medical institutions and overseas, raising significant concerns that citizens' personal information could be transferred to foreign corporate databases.

Eom noted that some companies secure genomic samples through domestic subsidiaries and then conduct analysis at their Chinese headquarters or research institutes in the Chinese-speaking region. He emphasized that this structure significantly increases the risk that foreign companies could exploit sensitive information without authorization.

The PPP legislator further stated that these issues pose risks beyond simple personal information leaks and could directly impact national health security and the competitiveness of the bio-medical industry. He noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, countries used their citizens' genomic and biometric data to gain a competitive advantage in new drug development and vaccine technology.

Rep. Eom said, "If citizens’ genomic or biometric data is leaked overseas, our national technology and security could be threatened." He added, "If the amendment passes, it will protect sensitive information and help defend key industries for our nation's future."