South Korea-based Starbucks coffee shops require more complex authentication procedures for its Wi-Fi service powered by KT Corp. for local customers compared to foreigners, industry sources said Tuesday, raising a controversy over possible discrimination.

Currently, local Starbucks shops require visitors to type in their name, email, mobile phone number and service providers in order to use free Wi-Fi on the Korean version of its Web page, whereas the English version only requires name and email.

The service provider said the complex authentication followed the country’s information security law, which requires the collection of user data to prevent IT-related incidents, such as hacking attacks, from happening.

KT, however, said a simplified authentication was inevitable for foreign customers as they do not usually have a South Korea-based mobile phone or registration number.

“We are finding ways to provide customers with convenient services, but there are many related laws to review,” an official from KT said. “We plan to roll out a revised policy by December at the earliest.”

A Seoul-based Starbucks official echoed the remarks, adding it is currently making efforts with KT to achieve both convenience and security for customers. There are around 700 Starbucks coffee shops in the country. (Yonhap)