Xibei Restaurant Apologizes for Employee's Unauthorized Photo Incident
A disturbing incident involving a well-known restaurant chain, Xibei, has sparked widespread outrage and debate about customer privacy and information security in China. The incident began when a mother reported that a male server at a Xibei restaurant in Hangzhou had taken unauthorized photos of her 6-year-old daughter and used them as a background on his Douyin (Chinese TikTok) account. The server had sent messages inquiring about the child's situation and uploaded the photos for nearly a year, until they were discovered by the mother's friend in June 2025.
27 June 2025
Xibei published an apology statement on its official social media account, stating that the employee in question had already left the company and had deleted the related photos after being contacted. The company expressed deep apologies for the inappropriate behavior of its former employee and reiterated its commitment to customer privacy, emphasizing that it strictly prohibits employees from taking or publishing customer photos without authorization and from storing customer information privately.
The incident has raised critical questions about the measures that businesses must take to safeguard customer privacy. As technology continues to advance and data privacy concerns become more pressing, companies like Xibei are under increasing scrutiny to ensure that they have robust mechanisms in place to protect customer information and prevent such violations. The company's apology and commitment to enhancing privacy protections are steps in the right direction, but they also underscore the need for comprehensive and systematic approaches to data and privacy protection in the service industry.
The online community has been fervent in their discussion of the incident, with many criticizing Xibei Restaurant for their handling of the situation. Netizens believe that the company should take full responsibility for the actions of its employees, rather than distancing themselves or shifting blame. There are also concerns about Xibei Restaurant's employee training protocols and data protection measures, highlighting the growing demand for corporate accountability and transparency.
While apologies are seen as a crucial first step, they must be followed by tangible actions to rectify the situation and prevent future occurrences. This includes revising employee conduct guidelines, enhancing training programs, and implementing stricter data protection policies. Xibei Restaurant's swift response and apology have been seen as a positive step towards rectifying the situation and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident has sparked a nationwide discussion on the importance of customer privacy and the need for enterprises to take responsibility for their actions. Xibei's decision to provide specialized training to its employees on customer privacy protection underscores its commitment to upholding the highest standards of service and respect for its customers. The incident has also raised awareness about the need for parental vigilance in public places and the importance of effective employee screening and training procedures in preventing similar incidents from occurring.
In the aftermath of this incident, Xibei has demonstrated a commitment to learning from its mistakes and taking concrete steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring. The company's willingness to engage in open and honest communication with the affected customer and to take responsibility for its actions serves as a model for other enterprises to follow. As the company moves forward, it is essential that it continues to prioritize customer privacy and respect, and that it remains vigilant in its efforts to prevent similar incidents from occurring. By doing so, Xibei can work towards regaining and maintaining the trust of its customers, which is essential for its long-term success and reputation.