[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] Naver will prohibit the sale of tracking devices on its community platform Naver Cafe, citing concerns over misuse in stalking and other serious crimes.
In a notice issued on February 17, Naver said it is strengthening its policies to better manage tracking-related products in order to enhance user privacy protection and maintain a safe online environment.
The company plans to intensify monitoring of listings involving location-tracking devices and will remove posts or restrict accounts that promote unauthorized tracking or misuse.
Specifically, Naver outlined prohibited practices when registering such products, including:
Descriptions that assume or promote tracking individuals without their consent
Claims emphasizing anonymity, such as “no personal data is recorded”
Marketing that highlights covert tracking features, including the absence of warning sounds
Content suggesting use for monitoring private relationships, such as infidelity
Comparisons that position products based on their ability to conduct discreet surveillance
Violations may result in transaction restrictions and potential legal action, the company said.
The measures are based on South Korea’s Location Information Protection Act, which prohibits the collection, use, or provision of personal location data without the individual’s consent.
Violators may face up to three years in prison or fines of up to KRW 30 million, while operating an unregistered location-based service may result in penalties of up to five years in prison or fines of up to KRW 50 million.
알파경제 Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
