The government has decided to postpone a plan to issue digital national ID cards due to concerns over privacy and information security.
The interior ministry made the decision at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday. That’s after several ruling DPP lawmakers and civic groups called on the government to postpone the plan.
Premier Su Tseng-chang said a special law will be enacted before the change.
Su said issuing digital ID cards was originally a major policy meant to promote the development of “smart government”. However, he said a public consensus is needed given that the Taiwanese people have become increasingly aware of the importance of personal information protections.
Su also cited the online security attacks in recent years as another factor, particularly attacks originating from China.