Telecoms regulator intensifies monitoring of cab-hailing services

Taxis affiliated under Kakao Mobility on the streets of Seoul [YONHAP]

The telecommunications regulator said it will roll out intensive monitoring of how cab-hailing service operators manage personal data such as locations, taking an apparent aim at Kakao Mobility.

Kakao Mobility, a mobility arm under the IT giant Kakao, accounts for more than 90 percent of the domestic cab-hailing service market with its Kakao Taxi app and was recently pointed out by President Yoon Suk Yeol for its "unethical business practices," such as the higher-than-average commission fees it receives from cab operators.

It is currently in the process of lowering the commission fees.

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) said it will inspect whether van-hailing platforms are adhering to the Act on the Protection and Use of Location Information and is deliberating on enforcing administrative measures if violations are spotted.

Over the last two years, the KCC has inspected more than 2,000 related businesses and is considering slapping stronger regulations to protect personal location data.

Next year, the regulator plans to oust unregistered businesses in the field and periodically conduct inspections on related services.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]