Kakao faces backlash over data privacy violations in ad service

Kakao is under fire over its messaging app KakaoTalk’s corporate advertising service, facing accusations that the tech giant is misusing its users’ personal information and burdening them with data costs. Seoul YMCA released a statement on Monday, claiming that KakaoTalk had been infringing on its users’ right to privacy regarding their personal data. “When KakaoTalk users click on a new incoming message in their chat list, they are automatically exposed to ads. Kakao matches phone numbers provided by advertisers with users’ registered phone numbers from their accounts to target who gets the ads,” the organization said. “This amounts to using personal information beyond its intended purpose and violates individuals’ rights to determine how their personal data is handled.” The ad service, called Brand Message, is a business advertising tool that Kakao launched in May. It allows businesses to send promotional messages directly to KakaoTalk users who have previously agreed to receive company updates. The group alleges that Kakao cross-checks phone numbers against its user aWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times