Google takes down 4 online lending apps due to privacy risks —NPC

Google Play Store has removed online lending apps (OLAs) JuanHand, Pesopop, CashJeep and Lemon Loan due to "privacy risks" for individuals who download the apps, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said Wednesday.

In a statement, Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro lauded the move and urged other OLAs to comply with the law when  processing data loans of applicants.

“For other OLAs, the NPC strongly urges you to employ know-your-customer (KYC) and debt collection practices that are aligned with NPC Circular No. 20-01, where we laid out guidelines on the processing of personal data for loan-related transactions,” he added.

Google's action stemmed from NPC's order to take down the four OLAs after it found out that these apps processed borrowers’ personal information such as contacts, location, photos, media files, email, and social media data. 

According to NPC, the four lending apps were downloaded more than 2.1 million times from Google Play Store.

In October 2019, the Commission also ordered the takedown of 26 online lending apps for failing to answer allegations of using personal data to shame delinquent borrowers.

Through NPC's coordination with the NTC and Google LLC, the 26 online lending apps were taken down, and the apps are no longer publicly available for download, installation, or use.—LDF, GMA News