South Korea Introduces Groundbreaking Law Allowing Stalking Victims to Track Offenders in Real Time

South Korea has unveiled a major legal and technological breakthrough in its fight against stalking related crimes, empowering victims with the ability to view their stalker’s real time location directly on their smartphones. The initiative, according to government officials, is part of a revised public safety law designed to provide immediate protection and prevent violent escalation.

Authorities in Seoul reported that the upgraded system was developed in response to several high profile cases where victims were unable to receive timely help, despite filing repeated complaints. South Korean justice officials said the new tool was created to ensure that victims can quickly identify danger zones and evacuate to safety before an encounter occurs — a measure they described as a life saving advancement.

According to South Korean media reports, the technology links directly to a monitoring platform managed by law enforcement agencies. When a court identifies an individual as a stalking threat, their location is tracked through an electronic anklet or mobile network system. This data then becomes visible on a secure map accessible only to the verified victim. Security analysts in Seoul noted that the software was fully developed within South Korea, marking a significant milestone in the country’s expanding digital safety framework.

Advocacy groups said the reform came after years of pressure from women’s rights organisations, who argued that restraining orders alone were insufficient. Many survivors, according to frontline counsellors, continued to face harassment because offenders often violated distance limits without immediate consequences. The new tracking feature, they stated, finally allows victims to take proactive steps instead of waiting helplessly for police intervention.

Government officials also stressed that privacy safeguards have been built into the program. According to legal experts, access to the map is restricted to victims who meet strict verification standards, and any misuse of the data — including sharing the stalker’s location publicly — is punishable by law. The goal, authorities said, is not surveillance for retaliation but an early warning system that can prevent potential attacks.

South Korea’s interior ministry reported that nationwide implementation will begin soon, alongside public awareness campaigns to help victims understand how to operate the system. Support organisations praised the move, saying it reflects a “victim-first security model” and could serve as a blueprint for other nations confronting rising cases of stalking and gender-based violence.