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Deepti Sri · · 1 min readReport: Messaging app Line allowed Chinese engineers access to data without users’ consent
“Japanese messaging app Line, owned by SoftBank’s Z Holdings, allowed Chinese engineers at a Shanghai affiliate to access data on Japanese users without seeking their consent,” the South China Morning Post reported, citing news from Japanese media.
Details:
- Four Chinese engineers who perform system maintenance for Line were allegedly allowed to access data from the messaging app’s servers from 2018 in Japan, which included sensitive user information such as names, telephone numbers, and email addresses.
- However, a Line spokesman said that the company has not indulged in any illegal practice and will comply with regulations in all jurisdictions.
Context:
- The allegation comes after Japan recently tightened its rules governing the use of users’ personal data by internet companies.
- Japanese privacy regulations mandate that companies must seek permission from their users first before sending personal data overseas.
Editing by Miguel Cordon and September Grace Mahino
(And yes, we’re serious about ethics and transparency. More information here.)
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