Kakao, who earlier refused an interception warrant from an investigative agency, changed its stance after a year, and has decided to cooperate. Although concerns over the occurrence of cyber asylum are stirring, officials are predicting that there won’t be a huge drop in the number of users. (image: Kakao Talk)
SEOUL, Oct. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – Kakao, who earlier refused an interception warrant from an investigative agency, changed its stance after a year, and has decided to cooperate. Although concerns over the occurrence of cyber asylum are stirring, officials are predicting that there won’t be a huge drop in the number of users.
Kakao insists that it can keep those who are not the object of investigation anonymous, but doubts are occurring.
When the controversy over the prosecution monitoring contents of Kakao messages gained importance, many users sought asylum using a German messaging program, Telegram, which is known to offer communication that is impossible to decipher.
After the prosecution announced its plan to strengthen cyber censorship, the number of Telegram users jumped from 20,000 to 250,000. However, the number of KakaoTalk users remained unchanged, even showing a naturally increasing state. Experts believe that the sudden popularity of Telegram was caused simply by curiosity.
Industry watchers predict that even though KakaoTalk may be criticized for cooperating with the prosecutors, people will continue to use the messenger, as it is an application that has already spread its roots in the lives of most smartphone users.
Kakao officials say that they will satisfy users by taking measures to protect their privacy, such as shortening the storage period of messages on the server, adopting a secret chat mode, and issuing a report on clarity.
While Kakao emphasized that they will provide contents of a chat after anonymizing the participant that is not the target of investigation, it was pointed out that the investigative agency can get additional information after submitting an official letter asking for the information of the previously anonymized user.
Non-governmental organizations have offered criticism, saying the actions of Kakao to anonymize conversations are just a deception, and deciding to cooperate and provide information to the prosecution is a threat to the privacy of users. (Image : Yonhap)
Non-governmental organizations have offered criticism, saying the actions of Kakao to anonymize conversations are just a deception, and deciding to cooperate and provide information to the prosecution is a threat to the privacy of users.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
