Mobile phone manufacturers Oppo and Realme face potential violations of personal data protection laws as they have allegedly retained customer data without proper consent and have not appointed data controllers as required.
Additionally, the Fineasy loan app, which is pre-installed on certain phone models, lacks the necessary licensing for digital personal loans as mandated by the Bank of Thailand.
In response, the NBTC has ordered that all importers and distributors halt sales of phone models that come pre-installed with the Fineasy app.
This decision follows appeals from the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC), which requested explanations from both brands after users reported that the unauthorized Fineasy app was pre-installed on their devices.
The TCC highlighted concerns that the app cannot be uninstalled and may access users’ personal information, such as contacts and phone numbers, raising serious concerns about user privacy rights.
Violation of user rights through unauthorized software installation not only breaches ethical standards but also poses risks for personal data misuse.
During the NBTC meeting, representatives from relevant regulatory bodies, along with importers of the smartphones, discussed the situation. The acting secretary-general of the NBTC, Trairat Viriyasirikul, noted that both importers confirmed that the Fineasy app is not registered as a licensed personal loan service.
Representatives from Oppo and Realme stated they do not know the app’s actual ownership, as it is pre-installed during manufacturing.
The NBTC has requested further details regarding the app’s data collection practices by January 16, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
The importers affirmed they would provide users with a link to uninstall the app within the next 30 days.
Pol Col Suraphong Plengkham from the Personal Data Protection Commission expressed that both brands are at high risk of breaching the Personal Data Protection Act, given the app’s data collection activities since 2023, and noted the absence of data controllers in Thailand.
While concerns are high, a final determination of guilt is pending further clarification from the brands.
Both importers asserted that there is currently no data leakage reported from the app.
Pol Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn, NBTC commissioner overseeing legal matters, reiterated that mobile manufacturers are required to obtain permission from the NBTC for device inspections regarding health and signal interference but are not subject to software scrutiny by the commission.
The NBTC has committed to collaborating with Oppo and Realme to quickly resolve customer concerns.
Last week, Oppo and Realme Thailand issued apologies for the pre-installation of the Fineasy app on their devices, announcing the removal of all loan-related features while retaining user-friendly functionalities.
The companies are intensifying efforts to facilitate user uninstallation of the app, with options for immediate removal available via customer service centers nationwide.
