A move to regulate internet service providers and social media platforms has sparked a backlash among politicians and netizens, who fear the proposed legislation would restrict freedom of speech, privacy and innovation.
The draft bill would increase the government’s power to flag misleading, dangerous or illegal content.
Plans for the bill have now been put on hold by Premier Su Tseng-chang until the public’s concerns have been addressed.
One lawmaker from Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, has called the proposal a “cyber martial law.” Lee Guei-min says the draft would give the government sweeping power over the internet. Another opposition party lawmaker, Tsai Pi-ru, also criticized the bill for indefinitely extending government control over internet platforms.
Ruling party lawmaker Lo Chih-cheng defended the government on Monday. He says the National Communications Commission has listened to people’s criticism and responded appropriately by pausing to review the proposal.