Taiwan officially labels TikTok as a national security threat amid growing concerns

Taiwan's Minister of Digital Affairs, Audrey Tang, has declared TikTok as a significant national security threat due to its ownership by a China-based company. She highlighted concerns about foreign adversaries having control over the platform, echoing similar sentiments expressed by the United States.

Proposed measures to safeguard digital infrastructure

In response to these concerns, Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has proposed an amendment to the Cyber Security Management Act. This amendment aims to address apprehensions regarding indirect foreign influence on digital platforms. It reflects Taiwan's commitment to protecting its digital infrastructure from external interference.

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Currently, TikTok's usage is restricted within Taiwanese government agencies and their premises. However, there's a possibility of extending this ban to schools, non-governmental agencies, and public spaces, pending a decision by the Cabinet. The final decision will be made after extensive consideration of opinions from various sectors, with ongoing discussions convened by the Cabinet to address the issue effectively.

Vigilance regarding international developments

The Ministry of Digital Affairs also disclosed its vigilance regarding the progress of a TikTok bill in the US Congress. This indicates Taiwan's interest in international developments shaping digital security policies.

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Taiwan has established regulations classifying any information and communication system or service with the potential to disrupt government operations or societal stability as a product endangering national information and communication security. These regulations underscore the importance of addressing digital security threats to safeguard national interests.