Taiwan has declared Chinese social media app TikTok a “national security threat.”
Taipei, Taiwan:
Taiwan’s Digital Affairs Minister Audrey Tang has declared TikTok, a social media platform owned by a Chinese company, a major national security threat, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported.
Tang emphasized that the platform’s ties to foreign adversaries are consistent with the United States’ view that TikTok poses a potential risk to national security.
At a recent legislative hearing, Tang said, “Taiwan has classified TikTok as a dangerous product.” She explained that according to Taiwan’s standards, any product that is susceptible to direct or indirect control by foreign adversaries would be hazardous, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency. Threats to national information and communications security.
Taiwan’s move follows a similar trend in the United States. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill targeting TikTok parent company ByteDance, giving it a timetable to divest U.S. assets or face a nationwide ban. The legislation reflects Taiwan’s concerns about foreign influence on digital platforms.
Tang revealed that Taiwan’s Digital Ministry has proposed amending the Cybersecurity Management Act, echoing concerns about indirect foreign influence in the U.S. House of Representatives bill. The amendment reflects Taiwan’s commitment to protecting its digital infrastructure from external interference.
The use of TikTok is already restricted by Taiwanese government agencies and their venues. However, Tang hinted that the ban could be extended to schools, non-governmental institutions and public places pending a cabinet decision. She stressed that such a decision would require a comprehensive assessment, taking into account legal procedures and practical feasibility.
“The final decision will be taken by the Cabinet after extensive consideration of the views of various departments,” the ministry said. It highlighted the cabinet’s ongoing inter-ministerial discussions to effectively resolve the issue.
In addition, the Ministry of Digital also revealed its vigilance about the progress of the TikTok bill in the US Congress, indicating its strong interest in the international development of digital security policies.
According to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, according to current regulations formulated in 2019 and revised in 2022, any information and communication systems or services that may disrupt government operations or social stability are classified as products that endanger national information and communication security.
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