Busan Port Authority (BPA) launches an initiative to develop port security systems using blockchain, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things.

BPA said Wednesday that its plan for “data hub development for port security service” had been chosen as a new research and development project in an open contest conducted by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).

BPA will establish port security systems with 1.84 billion won over three years, including 500 million won this year, from the MSIT. A BPA official said, “We will develop a demonstration service first concerning the approval of port entry and exit and extend it to other areas.” The relevant technology will be developed with two small and medium-sized firms in Busan and Pusan National University.

The core parts of the systems are encryption of electronic documents using blockchain technology and human recognition technology in shadow areas, which is hard to detect under the present security system. Whoever wants to enter such state security facilities as ports has to obtain prior approval. There has been fear about possible hacks and insiders’ leaks as various agencies related to this process collect and store applicants’ personal information. BPA said it would encode personal information by applying blockchain technology, classify the degree of information to which employees of relevant agencies can gain access according to their work and minimize information to be shared. /edshin@decenter.kr

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