Taiwan’s Digital Minister Flags TikTok as National Security Concern

Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Minister of Digital Affairs, has labeled TikTok, the social media platform owned by a Chinese company, as a significant concern for national security according to Central News Agency Taiwan.

Tang stressed that TikTok’s affiliation with foreign adversaries is in line with the viewpoint of the United States, which regards TikTok as a potential risk to national security.

In a recent legislative hearing, Tang stated, “Taiwan has classified TikTok as a dangerous product.” Tang clarified that any product vulnerable to manipulation by foreign adversaries, whether directly or indirectly, is considered a risk to national information and communication security in accordance with Taiwan’s standards, as per CNA Taiwan.

Taiwan’s action mirrors a comparable trend in the United States. Recently, the US House of Representatives approved a bill aimed at ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, setting a deadline for it to sell off its US assets or risk a nationwide prohibition. This legislative move reflects Taiwan’s apprehensions regarding foreign control of digital platforms.

Tang revealed that Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has suggested an amendment to the Cyber Security Management Act, echoing concerns expressed in the U.S. House bill regarding indirect foreign influence. This amendment underscores Taiwan’s dedication to protecting its digital infrastructure from external interference.

TikTok’s usage is presently limited within Taiwanese government agencies and their premises. Nonetheless, Tang suggested the potential extension of this restriction to schools, non-governmental organizations, and public spaces, pending a Cabinet decision. She stressed that such a determination would require a thorough evaluation, taking into account legal procedures and practical feasibility.

“The final decision will be made by the Cabinet after extensive consideration of opinions in the various sectors,” the ministry asserted.

It underscored the ongoing inter-ministerial discussions convened by the Cabinet aimed at effectively addressing this issue.

Furthermore, the digital ministry revealed its close monitoring of the TikTok bill’s progress in the US Congress, showcasing a keen interest in international developments influencing digital security policies.

In accordance with regulations established in 2019 and amended in 2022, any information and communication system or service capable of disrupting government operations or societal stability is classified as a product posing a threat to national information and communication security, according to CNA Taiwan.