Questions arise over whether the 'Creative Private Room' has returned on another platform, potentially resulting in a shutdown of the Telegram messaging app.
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Taiwanese TV host and comedian Mickey Huang (黃子佼) has been embroiled in controversy after it was revealed that he's a premium member of the illicit adult website "Creative Private Room," sparking public outrage. Although the website has been shut down, reports surfaced of its founder planning to relaunch on the messaging app Telegram.
A social media influencer shared photos of Telegram groups stating the "Creative Private Room" is back. They boldly used Huang for promotion, attracting the attention of the Health Ministry, which threatened to ban Telegram over the issue.
Public opinion is divided, with some considering the ban a temporary solution as loopholes may still exist despite systematic efforts to shut it down.
According to the ministry on Sunday, if evidence confirms the existence of illegal chat rooms, they must be removed within 24 hours. Failure to comply may result in a comprehensive shutdown of Telegram, affecting all users across Taiwan.
Among Telegram’s global user base exceeding hundreds of millions of users are those who put the service’s complete anonymity to use during the Hong Kong extradition bill protests to avoid surveillance. However, its highly private nature has also led to its exploitation and reputation as an "illegal paradise." Whether Taiwan's version of the Nth Room has infiltrated Telegram remains under investigation, but if it faces a blockage, it will severely impact the usage of ordinary users.