South Korean government launches ‘heavy crackdown’ on… selfie sticks?

Apparently nothing gets away from the South Korean government’s eagle eye supervision – including selfie sticks. Specifically, those with built-in bluetooth functionality. You know the one – these models usually have a button at the grip of the stick that act as the “shutter release” for your smartphone’s camera.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Science Ministry is concerned with this novelty item as they “are classified as communications equipment,” and thus might emit electromagnetic radiation that affect other nearby electronic devices. As such, selfie sticks have to undergo testing, and receive certification about the level of electromagnetic radiation they emit before they can be commercially distributed.

Those caught selling uncertified products risk having to fork out a maximum fine of KW 30 million (US$27,000), and may even face serious prison time of up to three years.

The concern arose when the government found an unknown number of uncertified Bluetooth-connected selfie sticks being sold, requiring – as the ministry said in a statement – a “heavy crackdown.”

See: KakaoTalk submitted chat logs to government, pledges to stop after users protest