TikTok is deemed a national security threat by Taiwan

According to Central News agency Taiwan, TikTok, a social media site owned by a Chinese corporation, has been deemed as a severe national security concern by Taiwan's Minister of Digital Affairs, Audrey Tang. Tang underlined that the United States views TikTok as a possible threat to national security, which is consistent with the platform's association with foreign enemies. She clarified that by Taiwanese standards, any product that is directly or indirectly vulnerable to foreign adversaries' control is a threat to the security of national information and communication.

The move in Taiwan follows a similar trend in the United States. The US House of Representatives recently passed a bill targeting ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, giving it a timeline to divest its US assets or face a nationwide ban. This legislation mirrors Taiwan's concerns about foreign influence over digital platforms.

Tang disclosed that Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has proposed an amendment to the Cyber Security Management Act, echoing apprehensions voiced in the U.S. House bill regarding indirect foreign influence. This amendment reflects Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure from external interference.

TikTok's usage is already restricted within Taiwanese government agencies and their premises. However, Tang hinted at the possibility of extending this ban to schools, non-governmental agencies, and public spaces, pending a decision by the Cabinet. She emphasized that such a decision would entail a comprehensive assessment, considering legal processes 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 highlighted ongoing inter-ministerial discussions convened by the Cabinet to address this issue effectively.