The defense ministry began to implement a new policy Monday banning employees from using Internet-enabled smartphones capable of taking photos within its building to prevent the leaking of confidential information with the high-end devices.

Under the stricter security policy, smartphone users are required to install a special application on the device that paralyzes its camera and voice recording functions, in order to pass through security check points and enter the Seoul building.

Developed by the ministry's security team, the application only allows for the use of basic functions on Android phones such as receiving and sending calls and text messages. Users of iPhones, operating on Apple's iOS software, can only receive calls and text messages.