FG Inspects Local Fertilizer Plants for Quality & Efficiency

...states that domestic manufacturing is crucial for Nigeria's food safety

The federal government has stepped up initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria's food security through inspections of fertilizer manufacturing and mixing plants nationwide. It emphasized that expanding domestic production continues to be key to cutting reliance on imports, decreasing production expenses, and increasing farming output.

An audit initiative headed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President for Digital Communications, Public Interaction, and New Media Planning, O'tega Ogra, has brought the president’s investigative team to key fertilizer manufacturing and mixing facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, and additional states involved in the renewed Presidential Fertilizer Program (PFI), managed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

The trip seeks to evaluate manufacturing capability, quality assurance protocols, work processes effectiveness, and the influence of the federal government's efforts in ensuring high-quality fertilizer is accessible and cost-effective for Nigerian agriculturalists.

While inspecting in Kaduna, Ogra stated that domestic fertilizer manufacturing has emerged as a key national focus, especially amid ongoing challenges with global supply routes due to political conflicts and increasing expenses for raw materials.

As stated by Ogra, Nigeria has plenty of natural resources needed for producing fertilizers and should keep enhancing domestic capabilities to ensure long-term agricultural output. He further noted that if these materials are manufactured domestically with appropriate quality assurance, farm standards would rise, crop outputs would grow, thus "enhancing food security and food independence within the nation."

"If approximately 80% of the raw materials needed are available within Nigeria and we are capable of manufacturing fertilizers, then what is the reason for importing them? With domestically made fertilizers that maintain appropriate quality standards, agricultural practices would enhance, crop production would rise, and this would help bolster both national food security and self-sufficiency," he stated.

Furthermore, Ogra mentioned that the federal government's funding for domestic fertilizer manufacturing aims not just to shield farmers from changes in international pricing but also to boost farm productivity, generate employment opportunities, and enhance industrial growth.

At the Kaduna Blending Plant operated by OCP Africa, the delegation examined the firm's tailored blending method, which creates fertilizers based on the nutritional needs of particular crops and soil types instead of adopting a universal solution.

The plant's general manager, Peter Amahwe, stated that ensuring quality was essential for safeguarding the investments made by Nigerian farmers.

"At the close of the day, what matters most is that when the farmer pays for these nutrients, they are fully aware that the exact amount and type of nutrients they're purchasing is precisely what they receive. Labor, seeds, and all other investments rely on this standard. Should the fertilizer be subpar, it can disrupt the farmer's whole production strategy," he stated.

As he mentioned, OCP Africa carries out comprehensive lab testing to create tailored fertilizer mixtures for various crops such as maize, rice, cocoa, ginger, and many other farm products grown throughout the nation.

The evaluation group additionally checked out Barbedos Fertilizers & Blending Company Limited located in Kaduna, where administrators walked through a plant capable of mixing roughly 90 metric tons each hour.

The firm's manufacturing director, Nasser Ismail, stated that domestic mixing has greatly lowered production expenses and generated job prospects for locals.

"Our main aim is to create premium fertilizer mixtures designed to address the specific needs of soils and crops among Nigerian farmers. Through local production, we are cutting expenses, generating numerous job opportunities—both direct and indirect—for youth, and backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s New Hope Initiative," he said.

Ismail mentioned that the company uses moisture-proof BOPP-laminated packaging to maintain fertilizer quality during manufacturing, shipping, and delivery to farms throughout the nation.

The federal government has kept adjusting the Presidential Fertilizer Program by supporting domestic mixing and pushing for the use of locally available resources, while still bringing in necessary parts like phosphates.

The program seeks to protect Nigerian farmers against fluctuations in global markets, enhance their availability of high-quality fertilizers, and boost local agricultural output.

Official projections suggest that the initiative has helped the nation save approximately ₦61.58 billion in 2026 through lower fertilizer expenses and promoting domestic manufacturing.

In addition, via the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP), which operates through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), 515,720 units of domestically mixed fertilizer are now being provided to 128,930 small-scale farmers spread over 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ongoing evaluations of fertilizer plants in Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, and other involved states highlight the federal government's dedication to guaranteeing that locally produced goods meet international quality requirements while increasing farmers' availability of cost-effective agricultural supplies.

Authorities state that the program aims to boost farm production, enhance the durability of small-scale farmers, and speed up Nigeria's path toward long-term food stability and farming independence.

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**"Statins Save Lives: Giving Obese Adults Healthy Hearts"**

A recent study discovered that medications like statins are enabling overweight middle-aged individuals to maintain cholesterol and blood pressure readings comparable to people who have a normal weight.

Scientists discovered that the blood pressure and cholesterol readings of individuals aged 40 and above were "virtually identical" to those of people who maintained a normal weight.

In certain instances, individuals who are obese were considered "better off," according to researchers.

Authorities believe the result is mainly attributed to the usage of medicines that reduce cholesterol, like statins, and treatments for lowering blood pressure — both of which are frequently taken by individuals who are overweight.

A research paper featured in The Lancet analyzed information from nearly one million individuals aged 20 to 79 across seven high-income nations, such as England and the United States, spanning from 1990 to 2024.

Previously, overweight adults had a greater chance of experiencing elevated blood pressure and increased amounts of harmful cholesterol.

However, the research indicates that disparities in harmful cholesterol levels and blood pressure among elderly individuals have 'reduced or vanished' for people aged 40 and above.

Statin medications became available across the NHS in the late 1990s and are currently used by eight million adults in Britain.

Experts stated that the results are significant for "providing an image of cardiovascular health" among individuals who may receive prescriptions. weight-loss drugs that have seen a swift rise in demand.

They cautioned that it was crucial not to "ignore" the results as more individuals opt for obesity-fighting drugs.

Professor Majid Ezzati, affiliated with the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, stated: "Our research indicates that in developed nations, using drugs to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol has enabled middle-aged and elderly individuals to decrease their heart disease risk to rates comparable to those with a healthy weight."

As weight-loss drugs become increasingly common, our findings provide insight into the heart health of individuals who may receive these medications, enabling the healthcare system to assess how therapies for high blood pressure and cholesterol complement weight-loss treatments within the general population.

The research also looked into data regarding the usage of medications that lower cholesterol and treatments for high blood pressure, referred to as antihypertensive drugs.

The group discovered that poor cholesterol levels and high blood pressure "decreased with time," particularly in individuals aged 40 and above.

The decreases were more significant for individuals who had obesity, resulting in a blending of these risk factors between those with obesity and those with a normal weight in people over the age of 40.

In describing the pattern, the research stated: "We observed that variations in non-HDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure between individuals who are obese and those with a healthy BMI became smaller or vanished, particularly among elderly people, at times rendering those with and without obesity similar concerning these cardiovascular metabolic characteristics."

A member of the research group, Professor Edward Gregg affiliated with Imperial College London, emphasized that "this does not imply that obesity no longer raises your likelihood of experiencing other health issues."

At the same time, the research revealed that among adults younger than 40, individuals who were overweight continued to exhibit elevated levels of harmful cholesterol and increased blood pressure.

Writer Yse d'Ailhaud de Brisis, affiliated with Imperial College London, stated: "Although this is positive news for elderly individuals who are overweight, our findings indicate that cardiovascular risk factors continue to be greater among those below 40 compared to people of average weight."

Initial lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and, if necessary, drug treatment for this younger population should be taken into account to avoid lasting heart-related issues associated with being overweight.

In the meantime, Lakshya Jain, from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, stated: "This recent study indicates that the narrowing differences in cholesterol and blood pressure readings among individuals over 40 who are obese compared to those with a typical BMI can mostly be attributed to statins and other commonly available drugs aimed at lowering heart disease risks."

That represents an important achievement in public health, something we must remember as emerging obesity treatments become available.

In response to the research, Professor Bryan Williams, who serves as the chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, stated: "This study showcases an impressive achievement in public health — demonstrating how significantly improved current therapies for hypertension and cholesterol have been, leading many individuals over 40 with obesity to attain levels comparable to those of healthier weights."

This reflects the effectiveness of approaches aimed at preventing heart diseases, the application of affordable and very successful medications, and the significance of individuals following their prescriptions.

However, we should not overlook the broader perspective.

These drugs are required due to the negative impact of obesity on the likelihood of developing heart-related conditions.

Furthermore, obesity continues to impact the body in numerous additional ways, raising the likelihood of various health issues such as diabetes, renal disease, and certain types of cancer.

Therefore, although this advancement is positive, halting and decreasing obesity could lead to various health improvements, often eliminating the necessity for these extra medications.

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CSO Praises Amupitan's Stand Against Ballot Theft and Vote Manipulation

The Institute for Reliable Elections and the Program for Transparent Leadership have praised the Head of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for his clear statement indicating that the time of stealing ballots and altering outcomes has ended.

In a press release published on Wednesday from its spokesperson, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the organization referred to the Chairman's declaration, delivered during a meeting between the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and INEC offices in Abuja, as a courageous, appropriate, and comforting confirmation of his commitment to ensure fair elections in 2027.

The statement said, 'Professor Amupitan has told Nigerians that the technology currently used by the Commission is robust enough to safeguard each vote in the 2027 general election.'

This is more than just empty talk; it serves as an unmistakable indication that the troubling era of election-related violence has come to an end.

The team, which has been carefully observing the INEC Chairperson's activities since taking up position, showed approval for his intentional measures to shield opposing political groups from the arbitrary decisions, mood swings, and intimidation tactics of the dominant party.

The team highlighted that Amupitan has shown extraordinary bravery and autonomy within institutions in protecting the election procedure from excessive political influence.

As a result, it urged opposing political parties, non-governmental organizations, the press, and every relevant party to stand united with the INEC Chairperson and provide him with the required backing to achieve success.

The group emphasized that many preventable challenges INEC has faced over the years were engineered by political figures who intentionally cause disorder and later accuse the Commission.

The statement further noted, 'If political actors strictly followed the regulations and ceased employing the courts to manipulate elections for personal gain, many of the issues faced by INEC would never occur in the first place.'

The Foundation particularly commended Amupitan for making sure that opposition parties encountering legal issues were still provided with the required codes and the chance to submit their candidates via the INEC website.

"This one act of justice and managerial bravery highlights an individual committed to doing what is correct, despite the political challenges," the organization noted.

Additionally, it was highlighted that Amupitan, an esteemed attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the inaugural chairman of INEC who has contributed to the commission a remarkable blend of extensive organizational understanding and strong legal background.

"This marks a turning point. We believe that with his guidance, INEC will always act appropriately in every situation," the statement mentioned.

The team called on Nigerians to back the INEC head for success instead of criticizing him or making accusations that might erode trust in the voting system.

It urged political figures from every faction to promptly stop behaviors that create unnecessary challenges for INEC staff, or that aim to compromise the fairness and trustworthiness of the voting procedure.

"Nigeria's democracy can't withstand another round of rigged or contested elections. It's now time for all political players to adhere to the regulations, honor the autonomy of INEC, and let the voice of the citizens be heard freely," the declaration ended.

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IMO: 12 Suspects Arrested, 3 Victims Rescued in Kidnapping Operation

The Imo State Police Command has detained 12 individuals accused of multiple violations such as abduction, gang activities, homicide, and other serious criminal acts within the state.

A press release published in Owerri on Wednesday from the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Okoye Henry, stated that the command's officers, under the leadership of ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, managed to save three individuals.

This initiative forms part of the commander's continuous initiatives aimed at addressing violent criminal activities via intelligence-driven law enforcement and successful cooperation with additional security organizations, community watch groups, and key partners.

Furthermore, the operation led to the retrieval of these objects: one AK-47 assault rifle, two homemade double-barreled firearms, four handmade handguns, two active ammunition rounds, a blue Toyota Highlander vehicle lacking a license plate, a grayish Mercedes-Benz GLK jeep bearing the registration number YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorbikes, a Sumec power generation unit, and eight named brand beer bottles.

In addition, the Imo State Police Command has recovered another hostage and apprehended those responsible through a collaborative, intelligence-driven mission.

The PPRO stated that their operation for rescue and apprehension took place following the kidnap of five travelers from a local bus on Obokofia Road in Egbema and the later abducting of a youth in New Owerri on June 27th, 2026.

Okoye stated that based on reliable information, officers from the Command worked together with personnel from the Egbema Police Division to conduct an operation at a presumed kidnapping den located in Obokofia within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. During this action, three abducted individuals were successfully freed without harm, and seven people believed to be part of the group were taken into custody. Additional members of the criminal network escaped the area and are now under investigation.

The individuals under suspicion are Eric John, known as "Yahoo Welder," from Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, who resides in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema LGA; Light Chukwuma (age 18); Obinna Osuamma (age 18); Sylvester Nnadike (age 60); Tochukwu Precious (age 22); Destiny Albert (age 22); and Caroline Oziomele (age 25), all hailing from Obokofia, within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

PPRO revealed that among the items seized during the operation were an AK-47 assault rifle, two homemade double-barreled firearms, two locally manufactured handguns, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV lacking a license plate, a gray-colored Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle owned by one of the freed individuals, three Q-Link motorbikes, a Sumec power unit, and eight named brand cult hats.

He stated that the inquiry found that one of the recovered victims recognized one of the detained accused, Eric John, known as "Yahoo Welder," as part of the group involved in his kidnapping.

Okoye added that the inquiry showed the group had obtained N5 million from the victim's family and then requested another N50 million as a ransom prior to the individual being freed in a police operation.

A spokesperson for the command stated that during an intelligence-driven operation held on June 21st, 2026, officers from the Imo State Police Command detained five individuals believed to be part of the Senior Vikings Confraternity, referred to as SVC, who were engaged in cult-related actions in Okuku within the Owerri West Local Government Area.

The individuals under suspicion are Iwuagwu Innocent Chigozie (26), from Owu Amakohia in the Ikeduru Local Government Area; Okparaugo Kingsley (32), hailing from Ogbusisi, Umuguma, within the Owerri West Local Government Area; Uchenna Daniel Akagha (23), residing in Uborji, Okuku, part of the Owerri West Local Government Area; Nsubechi Ekezie (25), originating from Umuchiezie, Ahaizu Mbaise Local Government Area; and Nwaneri Chigemezue (28).

He stated that, during questioning, the accused individuals admitted to taking part in a cult ritual conducted on May 24th, 2026, in Umuome, Umuguma, within the Owerri West Local Government Area, where an unidentified individual was reportedly assaulted and killed.

He mentioned that following the information, agents went to the location and retrieved the decomposing corpse.

Okoye mentioned that additional operations conducted at the suspects' hiding places resulted in the retrieval of two homemade guns and two active bullets. A probe is currently underway to determine the dead person's identity and capture remaining members of the organization.

Police Commissioner, CP Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents of Imo State that the command continues to be dedicated to fighting criminal activities, enhancing cooperation with other security organizations, community-based watch groups, and citizens, as well as making sure that every perpetrator faces legal consequences.

He calls on locals to stay alert and notify the closest Police Station or use the Command’s urgent hotline number 0803 477 3600 about any unusual people or actions, since prompt and reliable details continue to be essential for safeguarding lives and assets throughout Imo State.

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China Tops Nature Index Again, South Korea Ranks 7th

For the third straight year, China has topped the "Nature Index," which measures worldwide scientific research performance. South Korea stayed at 7th position, consistent with the previous year's placement.

The global academic publishing house Springer Nature, which publishes the journal *Nature*, revealed the list of "2026 Nature Index Research Leaders" on the 10th.

The Nature Index is a ranking system developed by Springer Nature that assesses the quantity of research articles published in prestigious scholarly journals, including those focused on natural sciences, along with their influence.

Although the Nature Index mainly focused on fundamental science and medicine disciplines, this year it broadened its coverage by adding 17 applied science journals and 15 social science journals.

China remained the leading nation for global research production this year. Its output rose by 22.4% between 2024 and 2025.

The United States came in second place, with Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, South Korea, India, Canada, and Italy following closely behind.

Among the leading countries, China was the sole nation to achieve growth surpassing 10%. Japan and South Korea also experienced research output increases within the 9% bracket, reflecting strong expansion trends across Eastern Asia.

South Korea placed third in applied sciences, achieving a 14% increase in research production within this area, reflecting significant progress. Nevertheless, it came in eighth for natural sciences, highlighting that it continues to trail somewhat in fundamental scientific disciplines.

In terms of institutions, the Chinese Academy of Sciences was ranked number one. For the first time since the rankings started in 2015, Harvard University from the United States dropped from the top position to be replaced by Zhejiang University from China.

Apart from Harvard University, all entities ranked from 1st to 12th were Chinese institutes or universities. The German Max Planck Society dropped to 13th position, exiting the top 10.

At Seoul National University in South Korea, the institution secured the 58th position, moving down six positions compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, KAIST climbed two ranks to reach 80th spot.

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Kazakhstan Banks on Hong Kong for Offshore RMB Access

A bank supported by China, Altyn Bank, states that Kazakh investors are increasingly looking towards Hong Kong's dim sum bonds to secure long-term funding for local infrastructure projects.

A commercial bank based in Kazakhstan, supported by China Citic Bank, is looking to partner with financial organizations and investors from Hong Kong to establish innovative funding avenues for the Central Asian nation via Hong Kong's growing offshore RMB market.

Murat Baisynov, head of Altyn Bank, stated to the South China Morning Post that three customers from the bank based in Almaty are now considering issuing dim sum bonds in Hong Kong, a movement he anticipates will persist.

"Hong Kong continues to be the global leader in offshore yuan liquidity, connecting the biggest group of investors, banks, and systems involved in issuing yuan-denominated bonds," he stated.

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In Central Asia, this creates broader chances to draw in lasting investment for infrastructure, transportation, energy, and environmentally friendly development initiatives.

He mentioned that the bank, which is part of China Citic Bank, seeks to form strategic alliances with investment companies and institutional investors in Hong Kong in order to open up fresh funding avenues for the area via the offshore yuan market.

Since 2018, Altyn Bank has been under the control of China Citic Bank Corporation, following the acquisition of a 50.1 percent share from Kazakhstan's leading financial entity, Halyk Bank.

Baisynov emphasized the potential of Hong Kong under the leadership of the Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu Led a top-tier team to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan recently to investigate fresh commercial opportunities against the backdrop of political instability.

A seasoned banker anticipates a significant increase in RMB-based transactions as economic and commercial relations between Kazakhstan and China, along with Hong Kong, grow stronger over the next few years.

He referenced the Development Bank of Kazakhstan’s first issue of a 2 billion yuan (US$280.8 million) dim sum bond in Hong Kong last September as proof of increasing enthusiasm for the currency.

"With increasing two-way trade with China, there is an rising need for financial transactions and payments carried out in [Chinese yuan]. For numerous companies, this method aids in lowering operational expenses and enables better handling of exchange rate fluctuations," he stated.

Enhancing the application of the Chinese yuan involves improving market liquidity and risk management tools—especially for the Yuan-Tenge exchange rate—as well as drawing in a wider range of global investors to collaborate with Central Asian entities.

He mentioned that Hong Kong, serving as a funding hub and entry point to the global financial network, plays an important part in enhancing these links.

Baisynov further mentioned that there is an increasing interest from Kazakhstan-based investors in spreading their assets across overseas markets, making global investments, and utilizing personal banking solutions.

He stated that Hong Kong has all the essential qualities required to address these changing demands.

He highlighted the significant opportunities for cooperation between Hong Kong, a global financial center, and Kazakhstan, a major economic and transportation hub in Central Asia.

Hong Kong signed 96 agreements worth $1.65 billion for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during Lee's five-day trip to Central Asia last week, spanning areas such as finance, technology, commerce, and media.

Cathay Pacific Airways The city's national airline has revealed intentions to start services to Almaty in the coming year. At the same time, the Hong Kong authorities have signed a deal with Uzbekistan, opening the door for carriers from both regions to establish a fresh non-stop connection.

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The article was first published on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top-tier news outlet covering stories about China and Asia.

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Coupang Fined Record 624.6 Billion Won Over Data Leak

Coupang faced a data breach impacting 37.55 million consumers in November, leading to a penalty exceeding 600 billion South Korean won. On the 11th, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) stated that it had determined a fine of 624.681 billion won against Coupang during a session held on the 10th, due to violations of the Personal Information Protection Act. This amount exceeds the prior highest penalty of 134.791 billion won given to SK Telecom in August of the previous year. Additionally, the commission opted to charge an extra fine of 16.8 million won.

The committee said, "The inquiry verified that this event happened because of Coupang's failure in handling personal data security," and mentioned, "Additional instructions were provided to enhance protective protocols to avoid such occurrences."

In November of last year, the PIPC initiated an inquiry following a complaint from Coupang, establishing a collaborative task force alongside the Korea Internet & Security Agency.

A former employee at Coupang, who departed in late 2024, was discovered to have carried out a data leakage experiment in January of the previous year, methodically extracting personal details between April and November of that same year by gaining access to member profile editing sections, delivery address controls, and purchase history records.

A cybercriminal created fake authorization tokens to gain entry into the delivery address administration section roughly 148 million times starting from April 14 of the previous year, resulting in the exposure of names, phone numbers, and residential addresses. On June 24 of the same year, they entered the user profile editing area 34.966812 million times, causing leakage of names and electronic mail identifiers. Starting from September 26 of the prior year, they logged into the delivery address update segment 50,474 instances and reviewed the purchase record interface 85,213 times, also leading to disclosure of common access codes and transaction specifics.

Using these techniques, the hacker exposed personal details of 33.22472 million members and at least 4.338368 million individuals who were not members. This involved 33.057012 million names along with email addresses, 63.986351 million shipping address entries (including names, addresses, and common access codes) for a minimum of 22.375359 million members and 4.338368 million non-members, as well as purchase records from 58,349 members.

The committee verified that the event occurred due to Coupang's insufficient security management framework and carelessness. It stated, "Coupang was unable to effectively control access rights for authentication signature keys, and even though there were unusual surges in access during the attack timeframe, it didn’t identify these anomalies."

Coupang learned about the further exposure of 160,000 customers' private details from the delivery address section approximately on January 30 this year, yet reported it to officials just on February 5, which was six days after discovery. Moreover, despite being asked four times by the committee to inform non-member individuals affected by the breach, Coupang failed to take action.

The committee mentioned, "Individuals who were not members could not implement protective actions against additional harm because they did not know about the leakage."

In addition, Coupang had internal policies requiring the destruction of user data 90 days after an account was removed and immediate removal of addresses along with account numbers. However, it did not erase 2,465,592 delivery address details (including names, phone numbers, and addresses) belonging to deactivated accounts, resulting in these being exposed. Moreover, it was discovered that 318,499 account numbers from terminated users were not promptly erased.

Not long after the committee started its inquiry, it instructed Coupang to retain evidence like website access records connected to the event. Nevertheless, Coupang manually erased five months' worth of online activity logs spanning from July through November 2024, making it harder to establish the precise sequence of events surrounding the first data breach. Still, the committee mentioned, "There was no proof discovered indicating that the exposed personal details were shared unlawfully."

Additionally, the committee expressed disapproval towards Coupang for collecting consumers' internet browsing data without permission.

The inquiry found that Coupang gathered and kept track of online behavior data from 11.17613 million consumers between December 23, 2024, and February 4 of this year, encompassing 15.645338 million website and application accesses, which were utilized for personalized ads.

As a result, the committee chose to charge a penalty amounting to 423.575 billion won and a fine of 16.8 million won concerning the data breach, along with an extra penalty of 201.16 billion won related to the illicit gathering of internet usage information.

Penalties were assessed according to Coupang's online shopping service income. According to the Personal Information Protection Act, fines may be as high as 3% of revenue. The committee said, "The ultimate fine was decided taking into account the seriousness of the breach and the extent of the harm caused."

The committee independently chose to charge a fine of 248 million won against Coupang Fulfillment Services, which is part of Coupang.

The inquiry revealed that Coupang Fulfillment Services gathered and handled the names of 71 media representatives from the National Police Agency, despite these individuals never having worked at their distribution facilities, and added them to a confidential employee list. The committee considered this action a breach of guidelines for collecting and utilizing personal data. Furthermore, Coupang Fulfillment Services provided staff weight details to the court during a legal case involving an workplace injury, which the committee viewed as a violation of protocols concerning handling private information.

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