The head of South Korea’s data protection regulator emphasized the importance of fair compensation for victims of Coupang’s massive data breach. Song Kyung-hee, the head of the Personal Information Protection Commission, expressed concerns over Coupang’s offer of vouchers and discounts to the 33.7 million affected users, calling for a compensation plan that truly addresses the harm suffered.
Criticism arose over Coupang’s compensation plan, which allows affected users to spend only a portion of the vouchers at the online retailer’s main platform. Critics argue that this approach might push customers to spend more on Coupang’s other platforms, including luxury goods. Song also highlighted the need for a clearer legal basis regarding collective lawsuits against Coupang under the personal data protection law.
Harold Rogers, the interim head of Coupang, assured that the compensation plan would not include any conditions that require customers to waive their right to file lawsuits against the e-commerce giant. Rogers emphasized that the vouchers would not be tied to clauses barring legal action, ensuring that the compensation plan does not impact potential damages in future claims.
