Clubhouse could be exposing raw audio and metadata to Agora, its Chinese service provider, report says

  • The Stanford Internet Observatory found that Clubhouse was transmitting unencrypted data in ways that could be visible to Chinese service provider Agora
  • The audio-focused social media platform said it is reviewing its data security practices following the release of the report

The Stanford Internet Observatory found that Clubhouse was transmitting unencrypted metadata that could have been accessible to the Chinese government without accessing the network of Agora, the platform’s Shanghai-based service provider. Photo: SOPA Images

Clubhouse, the popular app that allows people to create digital discussion groups, says it’s reviewing its data security practices after the Stanford Internet Observatory found potential vulnerabilities in its infrastructure that could allow external access to users’ raw audio data.

The SIO confirmed that Agora, a Shanghai-based start-up with offices in Silicon Valley, provides back-end infrastructure to Clubhouse and sells a “real-time voice and video engagement platform”.
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