Taiwan’s main opposition parties sharply criticised the government after authorities announced a ban on China’s Rednote app, calling the move an unjustified act of political censorship.
Officials argue the app poses security risks due to its links with Chinese data networks, but opposition leaders insist the ban undermines digital freedom in Taiwan.
They claim the government is using “national security” as an excuse to block platforms that carry content critical of its policies.
The opposition further warned that repeated restrictions on cross-border digital services could fuel public frustration and damage Taiwan’s image as an open democracy.
Government regulators, however, defended the decision, saying Rednote collects sensitive user information that could potentially be shared with Chinese authorities.
They stated that the ban follows expert assessments indicating high risks of surveillance, misinformation, and political influence operations.
Opposition lawmakers said these explanations lacked transparency and demanded the release of full technical reports to justify the restriction.
They accused the administration of making decisions behind closed doors and failing to consult parliament before imposing the ban.
Digital rights groups in Taiwan echoed concerns about growing limits on online expression, noting that blanket bans rarely solve cybersecurity issues.
They urged the government to adopt stricter data protection laws instead of targeting individual apps in a piecemeal manner.
Analysts say the controversy reflects deep political divides ahead of regional elections, with both sides using tech-related issues to rally supporters.
They believe further disputes over digital governance are likely as Taiwan navigates rising tensions with China and increasing demands for cybersecurity.
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