Minister Yennun Huang of the Ministry of Digital Affairs (the MODA)stated that since taking office, he has launched three critical initiatives for digital development: promoting anti-fraud efforts, strengthening digital resilience, and developing the digital economy. Initial results include the enactment of the Anti-Fraud Act to enhance source management, the establishment of a Fraud Reporting and Inquiry Network, nationwide coverage through a Non-geostationary satellite orbit, emergency response network, the submission of the Cyber Security Management Act amendment draft to the Legislative Yuan after approval by the Executive Yuan and securing approval for a NTD 10 billion investment plan to support AI startups. These initiatives aim to prevent fraud and foster growth, with the MODA committed to continuing policies that drive Taiwan’s digital transformation and enhance national digital competitiveness.

The MODA held a media briefing to mark Minister Huang’s 100 days in office, outlining the progress and results of policy implementations since his appointment on May 20. Regarding anti-fraud efforts, the MODA cooperated with the Executive Yuan to promote the Anti-Fraud Act, passed by the Legislative Yuan on July 16 and promulgated by the President on July 31. Minister Huang stated that the MODA oversees four digital economy industry categories particularly vulnerable to exploitation by fraud groups. In response, the MODA is implementing source management measures, requiring large online advertising platforms to verify the identity of advertisers to reduce the risk of impersonation in advertisements. Foreign platform operators must also submit legal representative documentation to support anti-fraud compliance. Operators must retain sufficient data to reconstruct user and individual transaction information for a reasonable period to assist judicial and investigative units in tracking fraudulent activities.

The MODA is developing a Fraud Buster Platform that integrates fraud reporting channels across social media platforms. This will enable the public to instantly inquire about or report suspicious online fraud messages, helping to reduce the risk of falling victim to scams. Minister Huang added that the Fraud Buster Platform is currently in closed beta testing and has various features being refined. The MODA is coordinating with different ministries to improve administrative operations, aiming to implement preventive takedown measures before the public falls victim to fraud.

Regarding efforts to strengthen digital resilience, Minister Huang stated that the MODA has been actively promoting a Non-geostationary satellite orbit and satellite emergency response network throughout Taiwan. In June this year, the satellite system adopted by the MODA became fully operational, providing services across Taiwan that enable the use of internet applications like instant messaging and online meetings through satellite equipment. Moving forward, the MODA will continue to oversee the Telecom Technology Center (TTC) in completing 773 mid- and low-orbit satellite stations by the end of this year, ensuring that even in the event of a significant disaster, essential and secure communication services for government command systems can still be maintained through these satellite facilities.

Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of digital resilience. Minister Huang pointed out that the MODA continues to revise Taiwan’s Cyber Security Management Act and related sub-regulations, including clarifying agency responsibilities, sharing information on harmful products, strengthening cybersecurity protection for regulated agencies, and coordinating cybersecurity personnel. The draft amendment to the Cyber Security Management Act passed its first reading in the Legislative Yuan on July 12 this year and was submitted for further review. In the next legislative session, the MODA will actively communicate and coordinate with all parties to complete the amendment process to enhance national cybersecurity protection.

Regarding the development of the digital economy, Minister Huang emphasized that the Strengthening Investment in AI Startups plan, developed by the Administration for Digital Industries, has been approved by the National Development Fund committee of the Executive Yuan on August 9. The plan allocates a budget of 10 billion NTD over 10 years, with seven years for investment and three years for disposal. The MODA is initiating preliminary work for investment promotion, including discussions on detailed operational regulations and trust management procurement. The goal is to complete relevant administrative procedures within this year and begin accepting investment applications next year. By integrating existing domestic industry chains and attracting foreign investment in digital innovation industries, the plan aims to position the digital economy as Taiwan’s next-generation national shield, leading Taiwan into the next wave of AI economic transformation.