Seoul is expanding its public safety network with a new feature that allows smartphone video to serve as mobile CCTV in areas without surveillance cameras.
On March 17, the city announced a major update to the personal safety app Ansimi, introducing the “Safety Video Service.” The app, launched in 2017, is connected to 110,000 CCTVs across the city and is designed to support emergency monitoring and response.
Previously, users in remote areas without CCTV could not fully access emergency services. With the new feature, users can activate their smartphone camera via the app, which turns on the flashlight and starts recording. The footage is transmitted to local CCTV control centers, enabling officials to monitor users even in blind spots. If a surveillance camera is available nearby, its footage is combined with the phone footage for enhanced coverage.
The recorded video is stored on the city’s server for up to 30 days, with privacy settings adjustable in the app.
Other features include recommended safe routes and real-time location sharing with trusted contacts. The expanded service addresses public concerns about surveillance blind spots and enhances safety for residents, especially in areas with limited CCTV coverage.