Data-sharing pack suspended between SF and Cainiao

Users of Tmall and Taobao, the nation's largest e-commerce platforms under Alibaba, found they cannot track their parcels delivered by SF Express, the nation’s biggest parcel delivery firm, from last night after SF and Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, suspended data sharing with each other yesterday.

China's postal authority has asked two major courier service suppliers to protect consumer rights and find a solution to an ongoing disputes.

The State Post Bureau said the delivery service of fresh produce has been impacted as the parcels tracking information was not available to dealers or customers on Taobao and Tmall.

Cainiao said in a statement that SF suddenly shut down the data sharing with the network of Cainiao on Thursday.

The courier arm of Alibaba said the conflict started when its security team proposed to upgrade the logistic information to ensure the information safety. The proposal was refused by SF.

In a response, SF said the proposal might infringe customer privacy and it was Cainiao who firstly blocked SF from the logistics inquiry system of Tmall and Taobao.

SF said customers can still track their parcels through the firm's own networks, including Wechat account, APP and official website.

The bureau said it had coordinated with both parties and talked with seniors officials of both companies to help solve the standoff.

"Both firms should find a common ground and maintain the market order as well as protect the consumer rights. They must avoid serious social impacts and negative effects caused by the conflicts," it said in the statement.