Army Internet Plan Creates Controversy

The Army has decided to create its own Internet discussion groups on Daum, an internet portal, where soldiers can share information and news. The plan is expected to spark controversy over concerns about information security.

The Army announced on January 24 that each company will have a web discussion group and conducted a demonstration at its headquarters in Gyeryongdae, South Chungcheong Province.

Active servicemen will be allowed to write about their everyday activities in the discussion groups, including barracks life, training, and holidays. Enlisted troops, officers, families, and friends will all be free to upload photos and articles.

Lt. Col. Koo Jae-seo, an army public affairs officer, said, “The decision was made to promote harmony and morale in the army. It is expected to contribute significantly to improve communications between the younger generation of soldiers familiar with using the Internet and their families.”

The Army also said, “Publicizing army life on the Internet will relieve the concerns of military families and prevent possible accidents.”

The army also plans to create a web portal called “The Army Is My Friend” to announce news and events, publicize popular discussion groups, conduct surveys of active servicemen, and post FAQs.

However, some are voicing concerns about a possible leakage of military secrets or information if thorough security measures are not taken and detailed military information is posted on the web.

Lee (24), a corporal on active duty, expressed confusion about the plan, saying, “Some web discussion groups created by active servicemen were closed for security reasons in the past. I am not sure if it would be ok to create official web discussion groups without offering security education.”

Seok Jong-hun, the head of Daum, said, “There will be no problem because we will classify members of the groups as active servicemen, officers, families, and first reserve members to regulate the flow of accessible information among them.” Some also point out that the discussion groups will not be used on a regular basis because soldiers have extremely limited access to the Internet in the military.

Jae-Young Kim Jeong-Hun Park jaykim@donga.com sunshade@donga.com