17 (app)


17 is a live video streaming mobile app designed by Taiwanese pop singer Jeffery Huang, a member of Machi, which features instant photo and video sharing functions. Client apps are available for iOS and Android smartphone systems. It was first launched in App Store on 5 June 2015, and sooner in Play Store on 10 June 2015. The app was re-released on 28 October 2015 after being banned due to prohibited content.
The app has become one of the most popular live streaming apps in Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan with approximately 700 thousand daily active users.

Features

17 allows users to broadcast live, and post photos and videos in their album. The privacy settings can be used to allow access rights to permitted users only. Users can also follow one another to track recent status changes.

Controversy

The app was complained about because it has become a platform for broadcasting indecent scenes as live broadcast of sexual intercourse process through the app was found. These unauthorized broadcasting lives attracted over millions of audience to watch. The founder of the 17, Jeffery Huang, claimed broadcast would be stopped and the user’s account would be deleted if they received any complaints. Also, they responded they would have a stricter supervision system, so as to avoid similar incidents from happening.
In April 2016, according to a security website, customer data of 17 were sold on a Tor hidden website. The data include 4 million email addresses along with IP addresses, usernames and unsalted MD5 passwords. Users registered before or around that time should change their passwords.