On August 23rd, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, in collaboration with the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), held a panel discussion titled “Promoting Trust Under the Age of AI and Emerging Technologies.” Experts and representatives engaged in in-depth conversations with the FOC to jointly advance trustworthy technology and internet human rights, while also providing the international community with a better understanding of Taiwan's AI policies and current efforts in promoting emerging technologies and internet freedom.

The event featured discussions on human rights and AI governance in the age of artificial intelligence, with participation from both domestic and international government representatives, non-profit organizations, and scholars. Notable participants included Director Lin Chih-yao of the National Institute of Cybersecurity, Overseas Researcher Lai You-hao of the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology(DSET), Secretary-General Isabel Hou of the Taiwan AI Academy Foundation, and Kevin Slaten, Head of the Taiwan Office of Freedom House.

In his opening remarks, Director-General Eric Juang of the Department of Democracy Network under the Moda highlighted that AI and emerging technologies are rapidly integrating into all aspects of daily life, work, and society. While the application of these technologies presents endless opportunities and possibilities, it also brings numerous challenges. In the age of artificial intelligence, trust is the key to ensuring that AI technologies can be effectively and safely utilized. Only with trust can we build a secure, fair, and inclusive digital era for future generations.

The Netherlands serve as the chair of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) in 2024. Luca Kuiper, representing FOC, shared that advancing a human rights-based and multistakeholder approach to the governance of AI and internet are the priorities of FOC. He also mentioned that the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act can serve as a reference for other countries and that the Netherlands is committed to developing trustworthy AI, with the aim of using emerging technologies to address the many challenges we face today.

The Moda stated that the FOC, established in 2011 in The Hague, Netherlands, focuses on multistakeholder internet governance, AI governance regulations, combating online human rights violations, and enhancing digital inclusiveness. The Coalition is dedicated to defending online human rights and the values of freedom and democracy. By collaborating with the FOC and multi-stakeholders, Taiwan can  participate in the process of legal and security framework of global internet governance regulations, and align with international standards with like-minded democratic partners in promoting a "Global Democratic Supply Chain."