NTT Docomo reports RCS consent error affecting 16,000 users

NTT Docomo has announced a procedural error regarding its Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging platform, affecting approximately 16,000 users who joined the network via Mobile Number Portability (MNP) between September 17 and September 25, 2026.

A malfunction in a newly introduced in-store transaction system caused the failure to display mandatory disclosures and consent screens. Consequently, users were able to access RCS services without providing required consent for third-party data sharing with Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Of the affected contracts, 225 users actively sent or received messages. While this resulted in the transmission of connection metadata—such as timestamps and recipient phone numbers—to Google, Docomo stated that message contents remained encrypted and were not accessible to third parties.

In response, Docomo began sequentially suspending RCS functionality for the affected accounts starting September 30. The company has initiated individual notifications to impacted customers as of October 4. Users wishing to restore RCS services must complete the formal consent procedures through My Docomo or at physical retail locations.