The government is moving to revise laws and tighten sentencing guidelines to prevent core technologies in advanced industries such as semiconductors from leaking overseas.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook chaired a meeting on preventing overseas technology leaks at the Government Complex Seoul on Oct. 1, saying that "if core industrial technologies leak abroad, it could significantly affect the competitiveness of our industries and the country's economic security."
"There must be no perception that those who leak advanced technologies abroad reap enormous profits while facing punishment that falls short of that," Han said. "When technology is actually leaked, we must strengthen the effectiveness of punishment so that commensurate responsibility follows."
The government has expanded the designation and management of national core technologies and support for corporate technology protection, while stepping up investigations and penalties for technology leaks. Since September this year, the scope of the espionage provision under the Criminal Act has been broadened, making it possible to punish the overseas leaking of core technologies that qualify as state secrets as espionage. Penalties for leaking defense industry technologies were also raised, including higher prison terms and fines.
The meeting was convened to examine whether the current response system for technology leaks is working properly on the ground. Participants focused in particular on whether technologies accumulated during research and development at companies and universities, as well as core technologies in the defense sector, are falling into blind spots in oversight.
The government decided to strengthen information sharing and investigative cooperation among relevant agencies to detect signs of technology leaks early. Given the nature of leak cases that occur abroad, officials also discussed ways to supplement international cooperation frameworks.
The penalty system will also be overhauled. To narrow the gap between the economic gains from technology leaks and the punishment actually imposed, the government plans to revise related laws and consult with relevant agencies on strengthening sentencing guidelines. It will also prepare measures to improve the technology protection capabilities of companies, universities and research institutes.
