[WORD_ON_THE_WEB] 'Meta is trying to abuse its power over Korea'

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is now requiring Korean users to agree with its revised user data privacy policy. From September, Facebook and Instagram users will not be able to use the platforms’ services if they do not agree to Meta collecting and using their personal information. Meta requires users to agree to six specific clauses including the provision of personal information and transfer of personal data between countries.

The big tech company argued that it needs that sort of private information to provide customized advertisements or content. It also explained that the same privacy policy will be implemented in other countries and it is asking Korean users’ to agree in order to meet expectations of Meta’s way of handling private data.

However, users are now reacting strongly to the updated policy. This is because when if disagree with it, they are not able to use Facebook or Instagram. Last Friday, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said they are reviewing the case.

“We are taking the issue seriously as it is considered to cause inconvenience to people’s lives," said the PIPC in a statement. "If we identify that the company is violating the law after the investigation, we will actively respond in order to prevent users’ private data rights from being infringed.”

#on_a_power_trip
“I can actually see that companies like Google and Meta are increasingly abusing their power.”
“This company is trying to abuse its power over Korea.”

#boycott_Facebook_and_Instagram
“I don’t want to use Instagram anymore.”
“I think declaring a boycott of Facebook and Instagram is the only way to handle the issue.”

#spotting_fake_accounts_is_the_purpose
“They’re trying to spot fake accounts, which became an issue during the procedure for the sale of Twitter!”
“They’re pushing the policy forward because the fake account issue has been serious in Korea, aren’t they?”

BY KIM HA-YEONG, BY HAN HYE-RIM [han.hyerim1@joongang.co.kr]