The digital affairs ministry recently banned the use of short-form video-sharing platform TikTok on public sector devices. That's following concerns over data security that were raised at the legislature on Monday.
On December 5, the digital affairs ministry deemed various Chinese software including TikTok and Little Red Book to be in violation of national cybersecurity laws. Public sector workers cannot use or download these software on state-owned devices. Cabinet Spokesperson Lo Ping-chen (羅秉成) says civil servants who violate the new rules will face punishment.
Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Loh Meei-Ling (羅美玲) pointed out that similar bans on Chinese platforms can be seen around the world. It is unclear whether the Examination Yuan, the Control Yuan, the Legislative Yuan and the High Court will also follow suit.
Cabinet Secretary-General Lee Meng-yan (李孟諺) adds that Chinese platforms are responsible for numerous cyber attacks and criticism against Taiwan as well as the spread of misinformation. He hopes that other departments will follow the Cabinet's suggestions to form a united effort against cyber security threats.
When considering amendments of the law, Lo Ping-chen (羅秉成) says Taiwan can refer to the measures that other countries have taken like India. He adds that changes must not affect freedom of speech but warns that Taiwan must be on alert to cyber security threats.