TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator on Monday (Dec. 24) proposed amendments to the "Anti-Infiltration Act" (反滲透法) that could lead to TikTok's removal from Taiwan unless it complies with government regulations. DPP Legislator Daihua Lin (林岱樺) plans to introduce Article 8-1, which would require internet platforms to establish subsidiaries or offices in Taiwan and store databases locally.
Lin expressed concerns over TikTok's algorithm and operational mechanisms, suggesting they could threaten national security, personal privacy, and democratic politics. She highlighted how individuals have used Chinese TikTok to create videos targeting Taiwan and fabricate lawmakers' speeches, aiming to manipulate domestic affairs.
Lin stressed that cognitive warfare has evolved through platforms like TikTok, citing a U.S. appeals court's decision that a ban on TikTok does not violate free speech protections under the U.S. Constitution. The proposal has gained support from several DPP legislators, including Lee Kuen-cheng (李坤城), Lee Po-yi (李柏毅), Lin I-chin (林宜瑾), and Huang Jie (黃捷), with plans for committee review soon.