1. Reasons for Proposal
In light of the Pangyo data center fire and service outage (October 15, 2022), the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. was amended (Act No. 19154; promulgated on January 3, 2023; enforced on July 4, 2023) and this created a greater need for stronger protective measures and safety controls in data centers. Accordingly, this Amendment prescribes matters necessary for the methodical prevention of and responses to disasters and disruptions affecting data centers, a core foundation of the nation and society.
2. Major Provisions
A. Newly insert measures to strengthen power supply stability (Article 4, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 amended and subparagraph 5 newly inserted)
The amendment stipulates the obligation to take measures such as preparing a reserve power redundancy system for supplying power in the event of a disaster or failure of clustered information and communications facilities and divided management of the power supply system to minimize power cutoff areas in case of emergency.
B. Strengthen safety management measures in preparation for disasters (Article 4, paragraphs 2 and 4 and Article 6 amended)
The amendment stipulates the obligation to take measures such as prohibiting, in principle, the installation of other electrical facilities and the routing of power lines in the battery room to prevent the spread of disaster situations, shorten the measuring cycle of the battery monitoring system (BMS) and build a rapid exhaust system to prevent the spread of battery fires.
C. Organize and operate a "Protective Measures Council" (Chapter 4 newly inserted)
The amendment stipulates the composition and operation of an expert consultative group to review and advise on alternative measures and implementation plans submitted by business operators where it is difficult to immediately implement the amended guidelines.
D. Provision for a grace period and special cases for key data centers (Addendum Articles 1 and 2)
The amendment stipulates special cases such as implementing the amended notice in 2024 to give business operators appropriate time to prepare for implementation, and considering that the protection measures have been implemented if the alternative measures and implementation plan of the business operator are deemed appropriate after review by the Protective Measures Council.
