As false information about changes to KakaoTalk's terms of service spreads through social media (SNS) such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, users are urged to be cautious.
According to the industry on the 11th, posts have recently been circulating online claiming that "Kakao will collect and use usage records and usage patterns without user consent starting on the 11th" and that "if you do not consent, you cannot use KakaoTalk."
The controversy grew after Kakao revised its integrated service terms and service terms in December last year ahead of the introduction of AI services such as "Kanana" and the enforcement of the AI Basic Act. The effective date of the revised terms is Feb. 4. In particular, the clause stating that "if you do not express your refusal within seven days after the effective date of the revised terms, you will be deemed to have consented" was used as the basis for fake news.
Kakao said, "We will not use usage records and usage patterns based solely on the previously announced terms revision," adding, "For items that require consent under the law, we will always obtain separate consent from users." It also said the claim that disabling consent for location information, profiles, and delivery address information has the effect of rejecting the new terms is not true. If you disable those consents, only some convenience features such as KakaoMap, KakaoTalk birthday notifications, and Gift delivery address information will be restricted.
Kakao added, "Even if you refuse the collection of usage records and patterns, you can still use KakaoTalk itself, and only AI features that use that information, such as Kanana, will be restricted." Kakao plans to remove the wording that fueled misunderstandings but keep provisions related to notifications and labeling of AI-generated outputs.