Kakao Union Requests Suspension of Digital Forensics on Kakao Mobility Employees

Kakao Mobility's extensive forensic investigation of employees' mobile phones has sparked controversy amid reports of the failed acquisition of Europe's largest taxi platform, prompting the Kakao labor union to call for a halt.

The Kakao branch of the National Union of Chemical, Textile, and Food Industry Workers stated on the 17th that it demands the immediate withdrawal of the consent procedure and the suspension of all ongoing investigations, citing procedural illegitimacy and illegal aspects in Kakao Mobility's forensic investigation of employees' personal mobile phones.

The forensic investigation by Kakao Mobility is reportedly aimed at identifying whistleblowers related to reports that the acquisition of Free Now, Europe's largest taxi platform, has effectively fallen through. Earlier media reports indicated that the acquisition deadline had long passed and that Jeong Shin-ah, the appointed CEO of Kakao, led the rejection of the original acquisition plan at the investment review committee, effectively causing the acquisition to fail.

The union stated, "The company claimed that since there were signs of leaks, this was a standard level of investigation the company could undertake, and that there were no illegal elements such as obtaining employee consent. However, after legal consultations, we confirmed that illegal elements exist," adding, "We directly reviewed the digital data acquisition and analysis consent form presented by the company and confirmed that the consent form lacks specific details regarding the reasons and purposes of the forensic investigation, the scope of data collected, retention period, and disposal timing."

Furthermore, "The investigation is conducted through a law firm, and while the consent form includes information provision consent between the law firm and employees, it does not clearly express consent clauses between the company and employees," the union explained. "Additionally, providing information obtained through forensics back to the company requires separate consent from employees, which was not obtained, constituting an illegal element."

Photo by Kakao Union

The union also stated, "In particular, the retention period and disposal timing are only specified as 'upon completion of this audit,' which we view as lacking proper legal procedures," adding, "The company also includes disclaimers regarding device damage that may occur during the forensic process, which can be seen as an unfair contract."

Moreover, the union pointed out that during the consent signature process, employees were induced to sign by being told that refusal could lead to exclusion from work or unfavorable entries in audit reports, which could be considered workplace harassment, indicating procedural flaws.

The union plans to continue campaigns and protest rallies targeting union members starting from the 18th, while demanding the suspension of the investigation, withdrawal of consent, clarification of management's responsibility, and an apology.