Baidu Denies Data Breach Allegations After Executive’s Daughter Sparks Privacy Controversy
China’s leading search engine, Baidu, has strongly denied claims of an internal data breach following a high-profile incident involving the 13-year-old daughter of Vice President Xie Guangjun.
The controversy erupted after the teenager allegedly exposed personal information of multiple internet users during an online dispute over K-pop star Jang Won-young. The situation escalated when she reportedly shared sensitive user data, including phone numbers and details of a pregnant woman, leading to widespread backlash.
Internet sleuths identified the minor after she inadvertently posted her father’s employment certificate online, further fueling concerns over potential insider access to user data.
In an official statement on March 20, 2025, Baidu refuted allegations of an internal data breach, asserting that all employees, including executives, are subject to strict access controls that prevent unauthorized retrieval of user information.
The company claims the shared data did not come from Baidu’s systems but was instead sourced from illegally obtained “social engineering databases” on foreign platforms that aggregate stolen personal details.
To counter misinformation, Baidu has initiated legal action, including filing a police report and implementing technical countermeasures to prevent similar incidents.
Xie Guangjun, who leads Baidu’s Intelligent Cloud Business Group (ACG), publicly apologized via WeChat, insisting his daughter accessed the information from foreign social networking sites rather than Baidu’s internal network.
However, at least two victims have rejected this explanation, filing police reports and demanding a public apology.
The incident has already affected Baidu’s stock, with shares dropping over 4% in Hong Kong trading.
The case also underscores China’s tightening data protection regulations, aimed at curbing illegal data trading and underground information brokers.
This controversy highlights the growing challenges major tech firms face in protecting user data and maintaining public trust in an increasingly complex digital landscape
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