Japan's Ministry To Suspend Use Of Line App
Japan's communications minister says his ministry will suspend its use of the messaging app Line, in the wake of revelations that the personal data of users in Japan may have been accessed by a Chinese firm.
Earlier this week, it came to light that engineers at the Chinese firm entrusted with the management of the Line system were able to access personal user information. That information includes the names and telephone numbers of users stored in Japan's server.
Communications minister Takeda Ryota said on Friday that his ministry needs to ensure that the public can access government services safely. He added that the ministry will look into what actually happened with the app and then take whatever steps are necessary, together with other ministries and agencies.
The communication ministry has been using Line to receive public opinions and answer queries.
Meanwhile, the major western city of Osaka decided on Friday to suspend the use of Line for administrative services, until the app's safety has been confirmed.
Those services include the dissemination of information for residents, the provision of consultations on bullying, and the acceptance of payments for public utility bills.