I’m considering using the Line app but want to make sure it’s safe. Does it handle personal information securely, and are there any risks I should know about? Please share your experiences or advice.
Alright, so is Line safe? Yes… but also maybe not as much as you think. They claim to use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) with their “Letter Sealing” feature, which is good—IF you enable it. By default, not everything is fully encrypted. Why that’s a thing in 2023 is beyond me. Also, Line servers are based in Japan, so your data is supposedly protected under Japanese laws, but, y’know, these companies love collecting metadata. Who knows how much info they’re holding onto?
Another thing—I’ve seen reports of compromised accounts from phishing attacks. That’s not Line’s fault exactly, but if you’re not careful, it can happen. Oh, and don’t even get me started on spam. Somehow scammers always wiggle their way in. If you use it, enable every single security feature they have, like PIN codes, two-step verification, whatever. Treat it like your accounts are Fort Knox or something.
Bottom line? It’s fine for day-to-day convos or sharing memes with friends, but I wouldn’t use it for anything remotely sensitive. Messaging apps are never 100% safe anyway, Line included. There’s always some level of risk, but if that freaks you out, maybe look into something like Signal instead.
Honestly, Line is… okay-ish for messaging, but calling it ‘safe’? Ehh, that’s debatable. The fact that their end-to-end encryption (E2EE) isn’t enabled by default is kind of a red flag. Like @viajantedoceu said, why are we still manually turning this stuff on in this day and age? It’s like buying a seatbelt separately after getting a car. And, sure, their “Letter Sealing” feature is supposed to improve security, but the reality is that any app can claim fancy protections when metadata (the who, when, and where of your chats) is still potentially hanging out on their servers ripe for data-mining.
Japan’s privacy laws are solid, don’t get me wrong, but these companies still find loopholes to keep your info longer than you’d probably like. Plus, if you’re ever chatting with someone sketchy or dealing with sensitive stuff, I’d say steer clear of Line—why take the risk with encrypted apps that half-ass their encryption? Use something more airtight like Signal or even Telegram in Secret Chat mode.
The spam and phishing issues? Yeah, those are a pain. Not entirely their fault, but c’mon, the volume of scammy accounts on there sometimes feels like walking into a neighborhood garage sale where every table is a phishing scam. Be prepared for random spam messages galore if you don’t fine-tune your privacy settings. PIN codes and two-step verification are must-haves, but even then, there’s always a level of gambling when using apps like these.
I wouldn’t say Line is terrible or unusable, but it’s far from the gold standard. It’s fine for casual “what’s up” convos or making stickers of your face, but anything sensitive—nope. I’d rather not have my chats or data floating around in a semi-secure bubble.
Line app’s safety hinges on how you use it and what you’re expecting. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros
- Optional E2EE (“Letter Sealing”): When enabled, chats are more secure. They’ve implemented end-to-end encryption, which is solid for privacy—if you bother to turn it on manually.
- Fun Features: Stickers, themes, and social integrations make it great for casual convos.
- Japanese Privacy Laws: Their servers are in Japan, which means your data is subject to relatively strong privacy protections (better than some places, at least).
Cons
- Encryption Isn’t Default: As others mentioned, the fact you have to enable features like Letter Sealing is… not great. This should just be the default in 2023. Honestly, it’s a security weak spot that could trip up less tech-savvy users.
- Metadata Collection: Even with encryption, metadata (time, location, user IDs, etc.) can still live on their servers. If they collect too much, it’s a privacy concern.
- Spam/Phishing: Yep, those scams are real. Block and report is your best defense, but there’s a chance you’ll get random spam messages unless privacy settings are tightened up.
- Limited Use for Sensitive Chat: If it’s anything critical—bank details, private business—Line probably isn’t your safest bet.
Alternatives
- Try Signal for default end-to-end encryption and a stronger privacy focus.
- Telegram (Secret Chat) is also excellent for security but has some similar critiques when outside Secret Chat mode.
My Recommendation?
Line is fine for casual chats—sending stickers, forwarding memes, and everyday banter. But for private, sensitive, or confidential convos? Hard pass. It doesn’t fully stack up against privacy-focused apps like Signal. That said, if you’re already sold on Line’s sticky features, just ensure you manually enable every feature possible, including the E2EE and two-step verification.