Korea says camera phones must click

The Korean government has ruled that by next year, domestic manufacturers must ensure that mobile phones emit a loud shutter-like click or noise when the camera is activated.

The move comes after a spate of reports in the country of camera users violating the privacy of others, especially in areas such as changing rooms and swimming pools. The image resolution of phone cameras is also increasing rapidly, adding to the problem.

The Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) passed the ruling on Tuesday, according to the Korea Times. Other reports state that the sound must be at least 65 decibels in loudness. Normal conversation is between 50 to 60 decibels.

Phones already in the market are exempt from the rule but it is believed that imported phones will also have to be modified to comply with it, though the report did not explicitly say so.

South Korea is one of the largest manufacturing bases for mobile phones.

The report did not say if phones made for export will also be affected by the rule, though previous stories have said Korean makers had complained that the decision will harm their products' overseas market value against makers from other countries after the ruling was proposed some months ago.

Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and other members of the Electronic Industries Association of Korea had sent a letter to the MIC, arguing that existing laws covering indecency and theft of intellectual property are adequate.

The new rules also cover the punishment of those who take pictures of others without consent.