Data privacy analysis report of rakuten

rakuten

Who are rakuten and what is their primary business model?

The principal homepage for Rakuten is [www.rakuten.com](http://www.rakuten.com). Rakuten is a Japanese technology conglomerate known for its diverse range of businesses and product offerings. Among its primary product offerings, E-commerce features prominently

Rakuten Ichiba, a Japanese online retail marketplace, is a significant player in this space, offering consumers the opportunity to shop from a vast array of products and services. Additionally, Rakuten's financial services comprise another essential component, providing credit cards, banking, and insurance options through its subsidiary, Rakuten Card Co., Ltd. In the realm of Digital Content, Rakuten operates various subsidiaries like Rakuten Music and Rakuten Kobo, offering music streaming services, video content, and e-books. The company also stands out in the affiliate marketing sector through its Cash Back and Coupons offerings, where members can earn rewards when shopping at partner stores

Other services offered by Rakuten include travel booking, online advertising, and digital marketing solutions, solidifying its position as a multifaceted service provider. This vast ecosystem allows Rakuten to collect a broad spectrum of data from its users, ranging from personal and transaction data to device and browser information. This data collection enables the company to provide personalized services, improve user experience, and generate revenue through targeted advertising. Understanding Rakuten's data practices is essential for stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding their data privacy and security.

What types of data does rakuten collect from its users?

Rakuten collects various types of data from its users, including personal data, location data, cookies, pixel tags, marketing data, transaction data, browser data, and device data. Personal data consists of name, email address, and password collected during account creation or service signup. Location data is used for marketing purposes and may be sold to third parties, though users can opt-out, albeit with some feature limitations. Cookies and pixel tags are employed to gather information about site traffic and user interactions

This data is crucial for improving services, providing personalized recommendations, and targeted advertising. Marketing data helps Rakuten understand user behavior, preferences, and interests, enabling them to sell this information to third parties. Transaction data encompasses details about purchases made through Rakuten's platform, which aids in providing personalized shopping experiences. Browser and device data include information about the websites users visit, pages viewed, IP addresses, operating systems, and browser types

This data collection is primarily aimed at enhancing user experience, improving site functionality, and providing personalized content. However, it also plays a role in generating revenue through advertising and marketing. Users should review Rakuten's privacy policy and terms of service to gain a comprehensive understanding of how their data is collected, used, and shared.

Can users opt-out of data collection entirely

Yes, users can opt-out of data collection in certain circumstances. In the United States, users are informed about privacy-invasive data practices and given the opportunity to broadly object. In the European Union, users are informed upfront about privacy-invasive data practices and required to explicitly consent to each. Opt-out options include contacting companies and agencies that gather data, such as data brokers, and requesting the removal of their information

Users in the EU can exercise their rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by contacting the data controller to prevent their data from being processed. Opting out can limit data collection, reduce targeted advertising, and impact user experience as some services may not function as intended without data processing. Opting out from data brokers may not completely eliminate data collection, as some data can still be gathered through public records or social media. Under GDPR, opting out could affect users' access to certain services, as data processing is often integral to those services

Therefore, while users can opt-out to limit data collection, they need to understand the implications and weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks.

and if so

Rakuten Group employs various measures to ensure the security and protection of the data it collects. One critical measure is conducting continuous security reviews on data handling and specific programming techniques to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Regular education and training initiatives are in place to keep developers informed about security practices, ensuring they develop services with a high level of professionalism. Rakuten also employs monitoring and detection systems to identify unauthorized logins as quickly as possible, preventing further damage to users

Compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) ensures secure handling of payment card information. Adherence to world-class privacy protection standards further emphasizes Rakuten's commitment to user data security. The company has adopted Binding Corporate Rules, approved by European Union data protection authorities, demonstrating its accountability to a robust privacy framework. Rakuten also provides users with the right to request data deletion or correction of inaccurate information, ensuring transparency and user control over their data

Regular audits and checks are conducted to maintain a consistent level of security for subcontractors, further strengthening overall data protection. Through these measures, Rakuten ensures that user data is secured and handled with the utmost care, providing a safe and secure experience for its customers.