Safety Report
KakaoTalk takes the initiative and publishes the KakaoTalk Safety Report to uphold its responsibility to ensure that users enjoy safe digital experiences with peace of mind when using Kakao’s services.
Overview - KakaoTalk Safety Report For A Safe Digital World
Overview
KakaoTalk is always working to resolve any issue that arises in the service so that users can be safe in the digital world.
In 2021, we announced the operation philosophy and principles of the KakaoTalk service as outlined in the KakaoTalk Safety Guide. Starting in 2024, we are publishing the KakaoTalk Safety Report to provide data on the actual measures being implemented within the service in line with our operation philosophy and principles.
The KakaoTalk Safety Report includes data on our automated anti-abusing system and countermeasures based on user reports. In addition, we strive to share our improvements and examples of policies that responsibly tackle sensitive digital safety issues, so that our efforts can have positive impacts both on the industry and society at large.
In the future, we will pay close attention to the impact of the KakaoTalk service on users and fulfill our corporate social responsibility to protect users, striving to become a more trusted service.
Key Indicators
- Preventing Phishing175K++6.4%
In the first half of 2026, 175,531 accounts were blocked by users using KakaoTalk's phishing prevention tools.
- General Chat138K+-16.8%
In the first half of 2026, 138,735 accounts faced restrictions in General Chat for violating KakaoTalk's operation policy.
- Open Chat448K+-4.60%
In the first half of 2026, 448,853 accounts faced restrictions in Open Chat for violating KakaoTalk's operation policy.
- Posts134K++64.5%
In the first half of 2026, 134,918 accounts faced restrictions in Posts and Comments for violating KakaoTalk's operation policy.
Key Improvements
KakaoTalk is strengthening its operation policy while continuously improving safety tools and reporting features to provide users with a safer digital service environment.
Key improvements In the first half of 2026 are as follows.
- Parental Controls Introduced: Kakao introduced parental controls that allow guardians to manage their children’s access to Short-form or Open Chat, helping children and teens use KakaoTalk more safely. Guardians can invite members under the age of 19 registered in their Family Account to enable parental controls. The settings take effect once the child accepts the invitation.
- Reporting Added to Kanana Search: During the pilot of Kanana Search, KakaoTalk’s AI-powered search feature, Kakao introduced a reporting option for inappropriate or unsafe search results. This makes it easier for users to report issues and provides a foundation for ongoing improvements to search quality and safety based on their feedback.
- Gameplay Reporting Introduced: Kakao introduced a reporting feature to address inappropriate behavior during gameplay. Users can report situations that make them uncomfortable or compromise their safety, extending user protection to gaming experiences within the service.
- Strengthened Response Framework to Prevent Phishing: In line with strengthened institutional measures to prevent phishing-related harm, Kakao established a response framework to apply appropriate service restrictions to accounts registered with phone numbers confirmed to have been used in phishing crimes, based on information provided by relevant authorities. This framework strengthens Kakao’s ability to prevent accounts used in criminal activity from returning to the service and to prevent further harm.
- Updated Guidelines for Emerging Fraud and Impersonation Tactics: Kakao refined its detailed enforcement guidelines to address newly identified tactics, including scams involving purported live broadcasts, threats based on false claims of kidnapping, fraudulent no-show bookings, insurance fraud, and demands for money based on fabricated claims of harm. Kakao continues to analyze evolving scam tactics and update its enforcement criteria for abuse that could harm users.
- Refined Enforcement Criteria for Transactions in Goods and Services: Kakao refined its detailed criteria for illegal or regulated goods and services, including illegal exchange and trading of virtual assets, document forgery, and moneylending advertisements. Kakao also clarified which transactions involving game items, accounts, and in-game currency are restricted under the KakaoTalk Operation Policy. In addition, Kakao continues to monitor emerging variations of activities identified following the strengthening of its policies on illegal lending and debt collection.
- Updated Standards for Youth Protection and Harmful Content: Kakao refined its review criteria for transactions involving potentially sexually exploitative content, content unsuitable for minors, and content that could encourage imitation of dangerous behavior. Kakao also continues to update its enforcement guidelines to address emerging forms of harmful expression, including attempts to evade detection and violent or threatening language.