Traditional biometric-based passwordless technologies often pass the cost of purchasing sensors for each device onto consumers and face challenges in practical deployment within online services. In contrast, the ITU-T X.1280 standard enables out-of-band authentication using only a smartphone, eliminating the need for additional biometric sensors. This approach offers both cost efficiency and scalability. Its mutual authentication framework also enhances both security and user convenience, gaining rapid recognition domestically and internationally. To promote the global adoption of X.1280 passwordless technology and establish leadership in authentication technologies, experts from industry, academia, and research sectors in Korea have launched the Passwordless Alliance Forum.
The Korea Personal Information Protection Association, which acts as the forum’s secretariat, was founded through collaboration among government, private sector, and academia during the enactment of the Personal Information Protection Act. The association has played a key role in strengthening Korea’s personal data protection ecosystem by developing self-regulation standards, expanding certification programs, and leading public awareness campaigns. Through this forum, it aims not only to promote passwordless technology adoption but also to advance data privacy infrastructure.