Naver moving data backup center from Hong Kong to Singapore due to privacy risks

South Korean search engine operator Naver Corp. will move its overseas data backup center to Singapore due to privacy concerns in its current host country Hong Kong where China implemented a new security law.

Naver saves user information at local data centers and backs it up in foreign countries.

It had deleted all backup data saved at its center in Hong Kong and completed formatting the server.

Naver assured there are no leaks of personal data as they due to their strict encoding.

Rep. Kim Young-bae had called for a probe into Naver, claiming that it had been sending personal data, including body sizes and family photos, to its unit in Hong Kong since 2016 without users' consent.

On the other hand, Naver called on the government to ensure fair competition between domestic and foreign IT firms, noting that there are restrictions solely put on local companies.