Why is South Korea's Military Set To Ban iPhones Over 'Security' Concerns?

'South Korea is considering prohibiting the use of iPhones and smart wearable devices inside military buildings,' reports the Defense Post, 'due to increasing security concerns.'

But the blog Apple Insider argues the move 'has less to do with security and more to do with a poorly crafted mobile device management suite coupled with nationalism...'

A report on Tuesday morning claims that the ban is on all devices capable of voice recording and do not allow third-party apps to lock this down — with iPhone specifically named... According to sources familiar with the matter cited by Tuesday's report, the iPhone is explicitly banned. Android-based devices, like Samsung's, are exempt from the ban...

The issue appears to be that the South Korean National Defense Mobile Security mobile device management app doesn't seem to be able to block the use of the microphone. This particular MDM was rolled out in 2013, with use enforced across all military members in 2021.

The report talks about user complaints about the software, and inconsistent limitations depending on make, model, and operating system. A military official speaking to the publication says that deficiencies on Android would be addressed in a software update. Discussions are apparently underway to extend the total ban downwards to the entire military. The Army is said to have tried the ban as well...

Seven in 10 South Korean military members are Samsung users. So, the ban appears to be mostly symbolic.

Thanks to Slashdot reader Kitkoan for sharing the news.

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