Premier Jiang Yi-huah told the legislature on Tuesday that government employees have been warned not to use popular messaging app LINE on their work computers.
The messaging app has become popular in many parts of Asia since its debut in 2011. But the government has concerns that the app is not secure, and sensitive information may leak out if government employees use the app to discuss official business.
In response, Director-General of the National Security Bureau, Lee Shying-jow says the bureau uses text messages for official matters. He said the bureau will not allow communication through social media unless it can be certain there is no risk involved.
Meanwhile, Director General of the National Police Agency, Wang Cho-chiun said that although he does use LINE, he does not use it to discuss official matters. He said the police agency has instructed its employees to avoid using LINE for work-related purposes.
Justice Minister Lo Ying-shay said while ministry employees do use LINE to discuss non-confidential matters, they have been instructed not to use the app to discuss sensitive issues such as trade negotiations.