Personal Information Protection Commission

History

Sep. 30, 2011

- PIPC is established following the enforcement of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

Jul. 26, 2016

- PIPC expands organization and personnel in response to the increased need for strengthening privacy protection.
Assessment of privacy risk factors and privacy dispute mediation are added to organizational functions.

Aug. 5, 2020

- PIPC is re-established as a ministerial-level central administrative agency,
integrating scattered policy formulation and oversight functions from different agencies:
Ministry of the Interior and Safety (public & private sectors), Korea Communications Commission (online sector),
Financial Services Commission (investigation and disposal of personal credit information for online businesses).

Leadership and structure

The PIPC consists of a total of 9 commissioners, appointed or commissioned by the President (pursuant to Article 7-2 of the PIPA).
As standing commissioners, the chairperson and the vice chairperson, are appointed by the President upon the Prime Minister's recommendation.
Two other members are proposed by the chairperson and five other members are recommended by political negotiation groups
(2 from the ruling party, 3 from the opposition party). These seven members are commissioned by the President.

Areas of responsibility

The PIPC is responsible for; improving statutes related to personal information protection;
formulating and executing policies, systems, and plans; investigating and issuing dispositions on violation of privacy rights;
handling complaints and conducting remedial procedures including dispute mediation;
engaging in international exchanges and cooperation with foreign privacy organizations;
conducting research on laws, policies, systems, and practices; education and promotion of policies;
supporting dissemination of technology development; and nurturing experts (Article 7-8 of the PIPA).