Table of Contents

What is LINE?
Who operates LINE?
What features does LINE offer for communication?
Name some services provided by LINE beyond communication?
When was LINE introduced?
Who developed LINE?
What propelled LINE’s growth in the Japanese market initially?
How long did it take for LINE to reach 100 million users?
How many users did LINE have by February 2015?
When did the merger between Z Holdings and Line Corporation occur?
What percentage of Z Holdings does A Holdings own?
Which countries has LINE emerged as the predominant messaging application in?
What is LINE Lite?
What is the memory footprint of LINE Lite?
What functionalities does LINE Lite retain from the standard LINE app?
Describe the interface of LINE Lite.
What assurances are provided regarding the security of LINE Lite?
Who developed LINE Lite?
What motivated the development of LINE?
What event spurred the creation of LINE?
What features set LINE apart from its competitors initially?
When did LINE become Japan’s largest social network?
How many users did LINE have by December 2013?
What storage solution did LINE adopt to accommodate its user growth?
When did LINE go public on the NYSE and TSE?
When did LINE delist from the NYSE and TSE?
What was the outcome of LINE’s merger with Z Holdings?
What are some features of LINE’s communication ecosystem?
How does LINE facilitate innovative friend additions?
What kind of media sharing capabilities does LINE offer?
How does LINE ensure privacy and security for its users?
What kind of calling capabilities does LINE offer?
How does LINE foster social networking and group interaction?
How can users personalize their experience on LINE?
What creative expression tools does LINE offer?
How does LINE continue to evolve?
What is one of LINE’s unique features for companies and media outlets?
What can users do with LINE’s sticker shop?
What is LINE Games?
What payment services does LINE provide?
When did LINE achieve 100 million downloads globally?
What was LINE’s global user base by 2017?
What challenges do LINE users face regarding account access on multiple devices?
What was the outcome of Line Lite’s rollout?
What security vulnerabilities did LINE initially face?
When was end-to-end encryption enabled for all LINE users?
What measures did LINE take in response to the breach of user data by Chinese engineers?
Who orchestrated a large-scale crash of LINE in Taiwan in April 2021?
How many LINE Pay users in Taiwan were impacted by a leak of transaction information?
When did LINE confirm a data breach compromising over 440,000 items of personal data?
How does LINE comply with content regulation in China?
What was the consequence of Line’s non-compliance with Russian regulations?
What pressures has LINE faced in Indonesia regarding content moderation?
How does LINE handle requests from the Indonesian government regarding sensitive content?

What suspicions did LINE face in Thailand regarding political stickers?
Why was LINE included in the Unified Register of Banned Sites in Russia?
What disruptions did LINE face in Russia due to regulatory pressures?
What is LINE’s approach to content moderation?
How does LINE handle requests from governments regarding sensitive content?
What was the consequence of LINE’s non-compliance with Russian regulations?
How does LINE handle requests from the Indonesian government regarding sensitive content?
What suspicions did LINE face in Thailand regarding political stickers?
Why was LINE included in the Unified Register of Banned Sites in Russia?
What disruptions did LINE face in Russia due to regulatory pressures?
What is LINE’s approach to content moderation?
How does LINE handle requests from governments regarding sensitive content?
What was the consequence of LINE’s non-compliance with Russian regulations?
How does LINE handle requests from the Indonesian government regarding sensitive content?
What suspicions did LINE face in Thailand regarding political stickers?
Why was LINE included in the Unified Register of Banned Sites in Russia?
What disruptions did LINE face in Russia due to regulatory pressures?
What is LINE’s approach to content moderation?
How does LINE handle requests from governments regarding sensitive content?
What was the consequence of LINE’s non-compliance with Russian regulations?
How does LINE handle requests from the Indonesian government regarding sensitive content?
What suspicions did LINE face in Thailand regarding political stickers?
Why was LINE included in the Unified Register of Banned Sites in Russia?
What disruptions did LINE face in Russia due to regulatory pressures?
What is LINE’s approach to content moderation?
How does LINE handle requests from governments regarding sensitive content?
What was the consequence of LINE’s non-compliance with Russian regulations?
How does LINE handle requests from the Indonesian government regarding sensitive content?
What suspicions did LINE face in Thailand regarding political stickers?
Why was LINE included in the Unified Register of Banned Sites in Russia?
What disruptions did LINE face in Russia due to regulatory pressures?
What is LINE’s approach to content moderation?
How does LINE handle requests from governments regarding sensitive content?
What was the consequence of LINE’s non-compliance with Russian regulations?
How does LINE handle requests from the Indonesian government regarding sensitive content?
What suspicions did LINE face in Thailand regarding political stickers?
Why was LINE included in the Unified Register of Banned Sites in Russia?
What disruptions did LINE face in Russia due to regulatory pressures?
What is LINE’s approach to content moderation?
How does LINE handle requests from governments regarding sensitive content?
What was the consequence of LINE’s non-compliance with Russian regulations?
How does LINE handle requests from the Indonesian government regarding sensitive content?
What suspicions did LINE face in Thailand regarding political stickers?
Why was LINE included in the Unified Register of Banned Sites in Russia?
What disruptions did LINE face in Russia due to regulatory pressures?
What is LINE’s approach to content moderation?

A Comprehensive Communication and Services Platform

Introduction to LINE:

LINE is a versatile freeware application designed for instant communication across electronic devices. Operated by LY Corporation, it offers a wide array of features facilitating text, image, video, and audio exchanges. Moreover, users can engage in free VoIP conversations and video conferences. Beyond its communication functions, LINE serves as a multifaceted platform providing diverse services, including a digital wallet known as Line Pay, a news stream called LINE Today, video on demand through Line TV, and digital comic distribution via Line Manga and Line Webtoon.

Evolution and Growth:

Since its inception in June 2011 by NHN Japan, a subsidiary of Naver Corporation, LINE has experienced remarkable growth and evolution. Initially tailored to Japanese consumers’ preferences and offering free smartphone calls alongside texting, it swiftly surpassed its competitor KakaoTalk in the Japanese market, propelled by an extensive marketing campaign. Within a mere 18 months, LINE amassed 100 million users, reaching the milestone of 200 million users just six months later.

By 2013, it had become Japan’s largest social network, boasting over 300 million users. By February 2015, its user base had soared to a staggering 600 million.

Strategic Merger:

In March 2021, a significant development occurred as SoftBank Group affiliate and Yahoo! Japan operator Z Holdings finalized a merger with Line Corporation. This merger resulted in a new organizational structure, with A Holdings, a subsidiary of SoftBank Corporation and Naver Corporation, taking ownership of 65.3% of Z Holdings. Under this arrangement, Z Holdings will oversee the operations of both LINE and Yahoo! Japan.

Regional Dominance:

LINE has emerged as the predominant messaging application in key markets such as Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, solidifying its position as the go-to platform for communication and digital services in these regions.

Introduction to LINE Lite:

LINE Lite presents itself as a streamlined alternative to the traditional LINE messaging application, offering users comparable performance without imposing heavy demands on device resources. With a memory footprint of less than 1 megabyte, LINE Lite ensures efficient usage of battery and storage space.

Features and Functionality:

Despite its lightweight design, LINE Lite retains the core functionality of the standard LINE app. Users can personalize their profiles, access a wide range of sticker packages (available for download), engage in conversations with friends, create group chats, follow other users, and more. Essentially, LINE Lite offers a full-fledged messaging experience with all essential features intact.

Interface and Design:

One notable distinction of LINE Lite lies in its clean interface and minimalist design elements. The app features smooth, white conversation backgrounds, offering a visually distinct experience compared to the standard version of LINE. While some users may prefer a more vibrant interface, others appreciate the simplicity and clarity offered by LINE Lite’s design approach.

Security and Reliability:

Developed by the same team behind the original LINE app, LINE Lite maintains the same level of security and reliability. Users can trust that their data remains safeguarded, ensuring a secure messaging experience across both versions of the application. Whether using LINE Lite or the standard LINE app, users can expect consistent protection of their personal information and communications.

History:

The Journey of LINE: A Tale of Resilience and Global Influence

1. Genesis: A Response to Crisis

In the aftermath of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, Naver/NHN co-founder Lee Hae-Jin and his team were galvanized into action. Witnessing the breakdown in traditional communication channels, they saw an opportunity to create a solution. Thus, spurred by the urgency of the moment, they set out to develop a messaging and chat application that could provide uninterrupted, free instant messaging and calling services. Drawing upon cultural insights and technical acumen, they swiftly crafted the beta version of what would later evolve into LINE, demonstrating remarkable agility and innovation in the face of adversity.

2. Emergence: Rising Above the Competition

In June 2011, LINE emerged onto the scene, capturing immediate attention, particularly in Japan. Its rapid ascent can be attributed to its astute understanding of Japanese user preferences and its pioneering inclusion of free voice calls—a feature that set it apart from traditional telecom services. Through strategic enhancements like the introduction of Home and Timeline features, LINE transcended its initial messaging function, morphing into a dynamic social networking platform. By 2013, it had firmly cemented its position as Japan’s premier social network, amassing a global user base in excess of 300 million.

3. Expansion: Scaling New Heights

The trajectory of LINE’s growth was nothing short of meteoric, with user numbers skyrocketing to 560 million worldwide by October 2014. To accommodate this exponential surge, LINE underwent a series of technological advancements, including the adoption of HBase as its primary storage solution for user data. Moreover, to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, LINE expanded its reach across various operating systems and devices, facilitating seamless communication for users across the globe.

4. Strategic Evolution: Charting New Courses

July 2016 marked a pivotal moment in LINE’s journey as it ventured into the realm of public trading with its debut on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This bold move underscored LINE’s ambitions for global expansion and market dominance. However, recognizing the need for strategic realignment, LINE Corporation opted for delisting from both exchanges in late December 2020, heralding a new era of organizational restructuring. The subsequent merger with Z Holdings in March 2021 gave rise to A Holdings Corp., a collaborative endeavor between Naver Corporation and SoftBank Corp., aimed at consolidating operations and fostering synergy between LINE and Yahoo! Japan. This strategic maneuver reaffirms LINE’s commitment to innovation, growth, and its relentless pursuit of excellence in the global tech arena.

Timeline	Description
Feb 2011	Naver launches Naver Talk in South Korea, trailing behind KakaoTalk.
Mar 2011	Tōhoku earthquake inspires Lee Hae-Jin to create a new messaging app, leading to Line’s beta testing.
Jun 2011	Line officially launches, quickly surpassing KakaoTalk in Japan due to cultural insights and free voice calls.
Oct 2011	Line experiences server overload, prompting infrastructure improvements like HBase adoption.
Dec 2011	Naver announces merger of Naver Talk into Line.
Jul 2012	Line introduces Home and Timeline features.
Apr 2013	NHN Japan rebrands as Line Corporation.
Dec 2013	Line becomes Japan’s largest social network with over 300 million users.
Oct 2014	Line boasts 560 million users globally.
Feb 2015	Line surpasses 600 million users mark.
Aug 2016	Line Corporation goes public on NYSE and TSE.
Dec 2020	Line delists from NYSE and TSE in preparation for merger with Z Holdings.
Mar 2021	Line merges with Yahoo! Japan under A Holdings Corp., aiming to compete with global tech giants.
	The merged entity operates Line and Yahoo! Japan, targeting expansion in Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Unveiling LINE:

A Multifaceted Communication Ecosystem

1. Seamless Communication Features:

LINE is a versatile application designed to facilitate effortless communication across multiple platforms. With accessibility on personal computers running Microsoft Windows or MacOS, users can stay connected wherever they are. The application offers a convenient option for syncing address books, ensuring that contacts are always up-to-date and easily accessible.

2. Innovative Interaction Tools:

One of LINE’s standout features is its innovative approach to adding friends. Users can effortlessly connect with others by exchanging QR codes or by shaking their phones simultaneously. Additionally, LINE’s intuitive interface includes a direct pop-out message box, enabling users to read and reply to messages swiftly, enhancing the overall communication experience.

3. Rich Media Sharing Capabilities:

LINE empowers users to share various forms of media seamlessly. From photos and videos to music and locations, users can exchange a diverse array of content with friends. Moreover, LINE offers a plethora of expressive elements, including voice audios, emojis, stickers, and emoticons, allowing users to convey their emotions and sentiments effectively in their conversations.

4. Enhanced Privacy and Security Features:

Recognizing the importance of privacy, LINE offers robust features to safeguard users’ data. Users can enjoy real-time confirmation when messages are sent and received, ensuring seamless communication. Additionally, LINE provides a hidden chat feature, enabling users to conceal and delete chat history, offering peace of mind and privacy control.

5. Voice and Video Calling Capabilities:

In addition to text-based communication, LINE facilitates free voice and video calls, enabling users to connect with their contacts effortlessly. Whether it’s a one-on-one conversation or a group call with up to 500 participants, LINE ensures clear and reliable communication across distances.

6. Social Networking and Group Interaction:

LINE serves as more than just a messaging platform; it fosters social interaction and collaboration through features like group chats and bulletin boards. Users can create and join groups with up to 500 members, facilitating seamless communication and media sharing within a community.

7. Personalization and Customization Options:

LINE offers users the ability to personalize their experience through themes and customization options. Users can change their LINE theme using the provided options in the theme shop or opt for themes featuring their favorite cartoon characters, allowing for a unique and personalized communication experience.

8. Creative Expression Tools:

With LINE’s innovative Snap movie feature, users can unleash their creativity by recording stop-motion videos and adding background music. This feature adds a fun and interactive element to communication, enabling users to express themselves in creative ways.

9. Evolution through Innovation:

LINE continues to evolve and innovate to meet the changing needs of its users. From the launch of Line Taxi in Tokyo to the introduction of Popcorn buzz for group calls, LINE consistently introduces new features and enhancements to enrich the user experience and stay ahead of the curve in the competitive landscape of communication applications.

Feature	Description
Cross-Platform	Seamless operation across multiple platforms like Microsoft Windows or MacOS, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for users.
Address Book Sync	Syncing address books within the LINE app, keeping contacts updated and easily accessible, thus streamlining communication.
Innovative Friend Additions	Unique methods such as QR codes and shaking phones simultaneously simplify the friend-adding process, fostering effortless connectivity.
Direct Messaging Box	A direct pop-out message box enables swift reading and replying to messages, enhancing communication efficiency.
Rich Media Sharing	Enables sharing of various media forms like photos, videos, music, emojis, stickers, and more, enriching communication experiences.
Real-Time Confirmation	Users receive instant confirmation upon message sending and receipt, ensuring seamless communication. The hidden chat feature enhances privacy by deleting chat history.
Voice and Video Calls	Facilitates free voice and video calls, along with group chats accommodating up to 500 participants, fostering large-scale communication and collaboration.
Social Networking Features	Provides functionalities like group creation, bulletin boards, and timeline posting, fostering interaction and engagement within the LINE community.
Personalization Options	Offers theme customization and profile personalization, allowing users to tailor their experience to their preferences.
Creative Expression Tools	The Snap movie feature allows users to record stop-motion videos with background music, adding a fun and interactive element to communication.
Continuous Innovation	LINE continually introduces new features such as LINE Taxi and gaming platforms, ensuring users have access to cutting-edge communication tools.
Official Channels	Allows companies and media outlets to offer regular updates and news articles to users through official channels, enhancing information dissemination.
Sticker Shop	Users can purchase virtual stickers depicting original characters, enhancing expressiveness during chats.
Gaming Platform	Offers Line Games, a platform for playing games within the LINE app, providing entertainment and opportunities for social interaction.
Payment Services	LINE provides payment services like Line Pay, facilitating money transfers and mobile payments, enhancing convenience for users.

Evolution of Market Share:

Line’s journey in the market commenced in Spring 2011 as an internal communication tool for NHN Japan employees. However, its trajectory shifted dramatically upon its public release in June of the same year, experiencing rapid adoption and widespread acclaim. By January 18, 2013, Line had amassed an impressive 100 million downloads globally. This figure surged to 140 million by early July 2013 and soared further to reach 200 million by July 21 of the same year.

Global Penetration and Regional Dominance:

The widespread adoption of Line was not limited to a single region but extended across multiple countries. By June 2016, Japan emerged as a stronghold with 68 million users, closely followed by Thailand with 33 million users. Additionally, Indonesia boasted 20 million users, while Taiwan and India each had 17 million users, with Spain closely trailing with 16 million users. NHN representatives articulated ambitious plans to expand Line’s user base to 300 million through further penetration into East Asia, Spain, and Chile.

Milestones in User Growth:

Line’s user base witnessed remarkable expansion over the years, marking significant milestones in its journey. In April 2014, Naver announced that Line had achieved a monumental milestone of 400 million users worldwide, reflecting its growing popularity and influence. By 2017, Line’s global user base had surged to an astonishing 700 million users, underscoring its status as a dominant player in the global messaging app market.

Constraints of LINE:

Exploring Alternatives to Line’s Features While Line remains a dominant force in the messaging app market, other platforms have endeavored to replicate its diverse range of features. One notable challenge faced by Line users is the limitation to a single mobile device or personal computer for account access. Although Line allows additional installations on mobile devices, each instance necessitates a unique mobile number or email address for registration. In response to this restriction, competitors have sought innovative solutions to enable multi-device accessibility, aiming to provide users with enhanced flexibility without compromising security.

The Rise and Fall of Line Lite In an effort to address concerns regarding storage space and performance, Line introduced “Line Lite” for Android users. This lightweight version aimed to offer a streamlined alternative to the main Line app. However, the rollout of Line Lite encountered unforeseen challenges. Users activating Line Lite were greeted with a message indicating that they would be logged out of the regular Line app. Regrettably, this message failed to clarify that re-accessing the regular Line app would result in the deletion of all history data. Consequently, Line Lite has been discontinued, underscoring the complexities involved in developing simplified versions of popular applications.

Security:

Enhancing Security Measures In the early stages of Line’s development, security vulnerabilities were identified, allowing interception of chat sessions using packet capture software. Messages sent via cellular data were transmitted in cleartext to Line’s server, posing a risk to user privacy. Furthermore, until February 2016, exploiting a loophole enabled the cloning of iPhones to access Line accounts without authorization, raising concerns about data breaches and unauthorized access.

Implementation of End-to-End Encryption Recognizing the importance of safeguarding user data, Line Corporation took significant steps to enhance security measures. In July 2016, end-to-end encryption was enabled by default for all Line users, ensuring secure communication channels. Initially available as an opt-in feature since October 2015, Line expanded this encryption protocol to include group chats, voice calls, and video calls in August 2016, bolstering user privacy and confidentiality.

Challenges and Responses Despite efforts to fortify security protocols, Line faced scrutiny in March 2021 following reports of unauthorized access to user data by Chinese system-maintenance engineers. The breach compromised sensitive information such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses of Line users, prompting investigations and governmental intervention. In response, Line undertook measures to block access to user data at the Chinese affiliate and relocated stored data to Japan, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing data protection measures and privacy policies.

Facing Cyber Threats Line encountered cyber threats in April 2021, experiencing a large-scale crash in Taiwan allegedly orchestrated by a hacker, Roman Matovsky, due to personal grievances. Additionally, over 70,000 LINE Pay users in Taiwan were impacted by a leak of transaction information, highlighting vulnerabilities in the platform’s security infrastructure. Moreover, in October 2023, Line confirmed a data breach compromising over 440,000 items of personal data, necessitating regulatory intervention and system restructuring to mitigate future risks.

Content Regulation:

Line’s approach to content moderation extends to conforming with government regulations in certain regions. In China, Line enforces censorship measures by prohibiting the transmission of specific words and phrases, as revealed through an analysis by Citizen Lab. Accounts registered with Chinese phone numbers are subject to downloading a list of banned terms, restricting their communication capabilities on the platform. Line publicly acknowledged this practice in December 2013. Despite efforts to comply with censorship requirements, Line faced complete access blocks to its chat servers by the Great Firewall in 2014, although it continues to generate revenue from physical stores in China.

Regulatory Pressures in Various Regions:

Line has encountered regulatory pressures in multiple countries, leading to the removal of certain emojis and stickers deemed sensitive by local authorities. In Indonesia, Line responded to requests from the Indonesian Communication and Information Ministry to eliminate emojis and stickers perceived as referencing homosexuality. Similarly, in Thailand, Line faced suspicions of yielding to government pressure after removing stickers associated with political factions, such as the ‘Red Buffalo’ stickers linked to the Red Shirts movement. Furthermore, in Russia, Line found itself on a banned list by the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media. This action resulted from Line’s purported non-compliance with Russian regulations mandating the storage of Russian users’ personal data within the country. Consequently, Line experienced access blocks to its chat servers and inclusion in the Unified Register of Banned Sites, leading to disruptions in messaging services for Russian users.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, LINE has emerged as a comprehensive communication and services platform, offering a plethora of features that cater to diverse user needs. From its humble beginnings as a response to a crisis, LINE has evolved into a global powerhouse, boasting an extensive user base and a wide array of functionalities. Through strategic mergers and partnerships, LINE has strengthened its position in key markets while continuously innovating to meet evolving demands.

The evolution and growth of LINE have been remarkable, marked by strategic initiatives and technological advancements. From its inception in 2011 to its merger with Z Holdings in 2021, LINE has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for expansion. Its strategic evolution, including the adoption of end-to-end encryption and the introduction of new features, reflects its commitment to security, innovation, and user satisfaction.

Despite its successes, LINE has faced constraints and challenges, including security vulnerabilities and regulatory pressures. However, through proactive measures and transparent communication, LINE has addressed these issues and reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding user privacy and data integrity. Moreover, while the discontinuation of LINE Lite underscored the complexities of developing streamlined versions of popular applications, it also highlighted LINE’s responsiveness to user feedback and market dynamics.

Looking ahead, LINE remains poised for continued growth and innovation, fueled by its commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach. By leveraging its strong market presence, technological expertise, and strategic partnerships, LINE is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading communication and services platform globally. As it continues to evolve and adapt to changing trends and user preferences, LINE is set to shape the future of digital communication and redefine the boundaries of connectivity.

FAQs:

What is LINE?
- LINE is a freeware application designed for instant communication across electronic devices, offering features like text, image, video, and audio exchanges, as well as free VoIP conversations and video conferences.
When was LINE officially launched?
- LINE was officially launched in June 2011.
Who operates LINE?
- LINE is operated by LY Corporation.
What are some of the services provided by LINE beyond communication?
- LINE provides services such as Line Pay, LINE Today, Line TV, Line Manga, and Line Webtoon.
What was the initial purpose of creating LINE?
- LINE was created as a response to the breakdown in traditional communication channels following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.
When did LINE surpass its competitor KakaoTalk in the Japanese market?
- LINE surpassed KakaoTalk in the Japanese market shortly after its launch in June 2011.
How many users did LINE amass within 18 months of its launch?
- LINE amassed 100 million users within 18 months of its launch.
Who did LINE merge with in March 2021?
- LINE merged with Z Holdings, which operates Yahoo! Japan.
Which regions has LINE emerged as the predominant messaging application?
- LINE has emerged as the predominant messaging application in key markets such as Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand.
What is LINE Lite?
- LINE Lite is a streamlined alternative to the traditional LINE messaging application, offering comparable performance with a smaller memory footprint.
What is the memory footprint of LINE Lite?
- LINE Lite has a memory footprint of less than 1 megabyte.
What features does LINE Lite retain from the standard LINE app?
- LINE Lite retains features such as personal profiles, access to sticker packages, conversations, group chats, and more.
What distinguishes LINE Lite’s interface and design?
- LINE Lite features a clean interface and minimalist design elements with smooth, white conversation backgrounds.
Who developed LINE Lite?
- LINE Lite was developed by the same team behind the original LINE app.
How does LINE ensure security and reliability for its users?
- LINE maintains the same level of security and reliability across both LINE Lite and the standard LINE app.
When did LINE Corporation undergo a strategic merger with Z Holdings?
- LINE Corporation underwent a strategic merger with Z Holdings in March 2021.
What was the purpose of the merger between LINE Corporation and Z Holdings?
- The merger aimed to consolidate operations and foster synergy between LINE and Yahoo! Japan.
What milestones did LINE achieve in terms of user base by February 2015?
- By February 2015, LINE surpassed the milestone of 600 million users.
How did LINE initially differentiate itself from traditional telecom services?
- LINE initially differentiated itself by offering free voice calls alongside texting.
What feature did LINE introduce in July 2012 that contributed to its evolution as a social networking platform?
- LINE introduced Home and Timeline features in July 2012, contributing to its evolution as a social networking platform.
What technological advancement did LINE adopt in response to server overload?
- LINE adopted HBase as its primary storage solution for user data in response to server overload.
Which company initially launched Naver Talk in South Korea?
- Naver launched Naver Talk in South Korea.
When did LINE go public on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange?
- LINE went public on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange in August 2016.
What feature did LINE introduce for creative expression?
- LINE introduced the Snap movie feature for recording stop-motion videos with background music.
What service does LINE provide for digital comic distribution?
- LINE provides digital comic distribution through Line Manga and Line Webtoon.
How many participants can join a group call on LINE?
- Up to 500 participants can join a group call on LINE.
What is Line Taxi?
- Line Taxi is a taxi service introduced by LINE in Tokyo.
How does LINE enhance privacy for its users?
- LINE offers a hidden chat feature, allowing users to conceal and delete chat history for enhanced privacy control.
What is Line Pay?
- Line Pay is a digital wallet service provided by LINE for money transfers and mobile payments.
How does LINE allow companies to engage with users?
- LINE allows companies to offer regular updates and news articles to users through official channels.
What was LINE’s global user base by April 2014?
- LINE’s global user base reached 400 million users by April 2014.
How does LINE facilitate interaction within its community?
- LINE facilitates interaction through features like group chats, bulletin boards, and timeline posting.
What challenges did Line Lite face during its rollout?
- Line Lite faced challenges such as users being logged out of the regular Line app without warning, resulting in the deletion of all history data.
How did LINE enhance security measures in response to identified vulnerabilities?
- LINE implemented end-to-end encryption for all users, ensuring secure communication channels.
What action did LINE take to address unauthorized access to user data by Chinese engineers?
- LINE blocked access to user data at the Chinese affiliate and relocated stored data to Japan.
What cyber threat did LINE encounter in April 2021?
- LINE experienced a large-scale crash allegedly orchestrated by a hacker in Taiwan.
How did LINE respond to the leak of transaction information affecting LINE Pay users in Taiwan?
- LINE confirmed the leak and took measures to address system vulnerabilities.
What regulatory pressures has LINE faced in Indonesia and Thailand?
- LINE faced requests to eliminate emojis and stickers perceived as sensitive by local authorities in Indonesia and Thailand.
How did LINE respond to regulatory pressures in Russia?
- LINE was included in a banned list by Russian authorities for purported non-compliance with data storage regulations.
How did LINE handle content moderation in China?
- LINE enforced censorship measures in China, prohibiting the transmission of specific words and phrases.
What milestone did LINE achieve in terms of global downloads by July 2013?
- By July 2013, LINE reached 200 million downloads globally.
How did LINE adapt its services to accommodate rapid growth?
- LINE expanded its reach across various operating systems and devices to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
What was the purpose of introducing LINE Lite?
- LINE Lite aimed to offer a streamlined alternative to the main LINE app for users concerned about storage space and performance.
What challenges did LINE Lite encounter during its rollout?
- LINE Lite encountered challenges such as users being logged out of the regular LINE app without warning, resulting in the deletion of all history data.
How does LINE ensure security and reliability for its users?
- LINE maintains the same level of security and reliability across both LINE Lite and the standard LINE app.
When did LINE Corporation undergo a strategic merger with Z Holdings?
- LINE Corporation underwent a strategic merger with Z Holdings in March 2021.
What was the purpose of the merger between LINE Corporation and Z Holdings?
- The merger aimed to consolidate operations and foster synergy between LINE and Yahoo! Japan.
What milestones did LINE achieve in terms of user base by February 2015?
- By February 2015, LINE surpassed the milestone of 600 million users.
How did LINE initially differentiate itself from traditional telecom services?
- LINE initially differentiated itself by offering free voice calls alongside texting.
What feature did LINE introduce in July 2012 that contributed to its evolution as a social networking platform?
- LINE introduced Home and Timeline features in July 2012, contributing to its evolution as a social networking platform.

Prof. Mian Waqar Ahmad

Prof. Mian Waqar Ahmad, a dynamic force straddling the realms of academia and digital media. As a distinguished Lecturer in Information Sciences, he imparts knowledge within the academic sphere, igniting the minds of his students. Beyond the classroom, Prof. Mian Waqar Ahmad dons the hat of a seasoned blogger on Worldstan.com, where his insightful posts delve into the intricacies of information sciences. His digital footprint extends even further as a YouTuber, leveraging the platform to share his expertise and make complex concepts accessible to a global audience. Prof. Mian Waqar Ahmad’s journey embodies the fusion of traditional education and contemporary digital outreach, leaving an indelible mark on the evolving landscape of information sciences. Explore his world at Worldstan.com and witness the convergence of academia and the digital frontier.