Governance
South Korea investigates data protection issues on e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress and Temu
OUR TAKEWith the increasing number of Koreans using Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba (9988. HK) opening new tabs AliExpress and Temu jumped. South Korea’s data protection watchdog stated on Thursday, that they are looking into consumer data practices of major overseas shopping platforms.…
Headline
OUR TAKEWith the increasing number of Koreans using Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba (9988. HK) opening new tabs AliExpress and Temu jumped. South Korea’s data protection watchdog stated on Thursday, that they are looking into consumer data practices of major…
Context
OUR TAKE With the increasing number of Koreans using Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba (9988. HK) opening new tabs AliExpress and Temu jumped. South Korea’s data protection watchdog stated on Thursday, that they are looking into consumer data practices of major overseas shopping platforms. —Jennifer YU, BTW reporter The Personal Information Protection Commission said they have been investigating overseas e-commerce platforms since last month, with a parliamentary audit last year raising questions about data processing at platforms such as AliExpress and PDD Holdings'(PDD. o), opens new tab international facing discount e-commerce platform Temu.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
According to the commission, they are checking the appropriateness of their personal information processing policies, overseas transfers, and safety measures. If there are any violations of South Korean law, the commission will take action. Also Read: FedEx launches e-commerce platform to compete with Amazon Also Read: China’s e-commerce superpower: Wacky viral videos and care-free influencers As mentioned by Yonhap news agency, the announcement follows South Korea’s antitrust regulator, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), dispatching inspectors to the office of AliExpress’s South Korean unit to investigate the platform’s consumer protection measures. However, The FTC, Alibaba, and Temu did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Key Points
- South Korea’s personal data protection watchdog is doing an ongoing survey on consumer data usage on major overseas shopping platforms like AliExpress and Temu.
- The Personal Information Protection Commission claimed in a statement that they are checking the appropriateness of their personal information handling policies, overseas transfers, and security measures, and will take measures if there are any violations of Korean law.
- Investors are watching to see if AliExpress and other Chinese e-commerce platforms’ fast growth in South Korea will affect established players such as Naver and Coupang.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
