Trip.com denies data security concerns over Cambodia tourism cooperation

(ECNS) -- Trip.com Group, a multinational travel agency headquartered in China, denied concerns on Thursday over user data security following public attention around a marketing cooperation agreement with Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism.

It said the partnership is focused on tourism promotion and does not involve the sharing of personal user data.

The cooperation sparked online discussion about the safety of personal data. In response, Trip.com issued a statement, saying that the marketing cooperation agreement was originally planned to roll out advertising content after Cambodia implemented visa-free entry for Chinese citizens.

However, considering the recent safety advisories issued by the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, the company promptly suspended the planned advertising activities.

Since Dec. 8, the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia has released multiple safety reminders urging Chinese nationals near the Cambodia-Thailand border to strengthen personal security precautions. It also disclosed that on Dec. 22, a Chinese citizen in Battambang Province was slightly injured following artillery fire related to border clashes.

In addition, on Dec. 11, the embassy issued a notice titled "Be alert to overseas high-paying job scams and guard against telecom fraud risks," reminding Chinese citizens to remain highly vigilant against online recruitment scams offering so-called high salaries.

The notice warned that telecom fraud compounds are involved in illegal activities and are commonly associated with crimes such as illegal detention, violent coercion and threats to personal safety, urging people not to risk their lives for financial gain.

(By Evelyn)