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Taiwan Warns China’s AMap App Poses Major Spyware Threat

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau warns China’s AMap app poses serious spyware risks after finding it collects sensitive data even when closed. The app gathers contact lists, call logs, live audio, video, and location data, transmitting it to China. Officials highlight that Chinese firms must cooperate with state authorities under national security laws. A separate review by Taiwan’s Digital Affairs Ministry is expected next month, while the app is already banned in government agencies.

Key Points: Taiwan spyware alert: China’s AMap app under fire

  • Taiwan security officials warn AMap app poses national security threat
  • App collects contact lists, call logs, live audio, video, and location data even when closed
  • Data transmitted to servers in China; user agreement allows third-party sharing
  • AMap banned in Taiwan government agencies under Cybersecurity Management Act
2 min read

China-linked app sparks major spyware fears in Taiwan

Taiwan security officials warn China’s AMap app gathers sensitive data, posing national security risks. Government use banned; review underway.

"AMap's policies are particularly alarming because the platform openly states in its user agreement that data may be shared with third parties. - Tsai Ming-yen"

Taipei, May 8

Taiwan's top security officials have warned that the Chinese navigation application AMap may pose a serious national security threat after an internal probe found that the app continues gathering and transmitting sensitive user information to servers in China, as reported by The Taipei Times.

According to The Taipei Times, National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen informed lawmakers during a session of the legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee that investigators identified nine cybersecurity concerns out of 15 reviewed categories linked to the Chinese-developed app.

The investigation revealed that AMap allegedly keeps collecting personal data even after users shut down the application. The information gathered includes contact lists, call histories, live audio recordings, video feeds and location-related data, all of which are reportedly transmitted back to servers located in China.

Tsai warned lawmakers that although many international apps collect user information, AMap's policies are particularly alarming because the platform openly states in its user agreement that data may be shared with third parties.

He further stated that Chinese firms are legally bound under China's national security legislation to cooperate with state authorities and provide access to corporate and user information whenever requested. Tsai described the app as carrying "relatively high" cybersecurity and national security risks for Taiwan.

The bureau's report has been forwarded to Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs, which is conducting a separate review expected to conclude next month, as highlighted by The Taipei Times.

The intelligence chief clarified that the National Security Bureau would respect the ministry's authority regarding any public announcement or regulatory action connected to the case. Taiwan has already classified AMap as a cybersecurity risk under the Cybersecurity Management Act, resulting in a ban on the application's use across government agencies, as reported by The Taipei Times.

In a similar vein, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has said it will not remove the ban on domestic travel agencies promoting package group tours to China until the "personal freedom and travel safety" of Taiwanese travellers can be guaranteed amid criticism that followed a recent deadly bus crash in China, according to a report by Central News Agency (CNA).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
It's concerning but let's not jump to conclusions. Many global apps collect data. The real issue is transparency. If the app clearly states it shares data with third parties, users should be aware. But still, Taiwan is right to investigate—privacy is a fundamental right, whether in Taipei or Mumbai.
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Deepak U
Taiwan is doing the right thing by banning this app in government agencies. But why stop there? Regular citizens also need protection. India should learn from this—our own navigation apps like MapMyIndia are great and trustworthy. Let's support local alternatives and reduce dependency on foreign tech. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Amanda J
The irony is that many of us use Google Maps daily, which also collects a lot of data. But the difference is accountability and legal frameworks. China's national security laws forcing companies to share data with authorities is a red flag. India needs to ensure our data doesn't end up in wrong hands. Cybersecurity is not a joke.
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Kavya N
I appreciate Taiwan's vigilance. But let's be honest—every app spies on us these days. The real solution is stronger data protection laws globally. India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act is a step, but implementation is key. We can't just blame China; we need to hold all tech giants accountable. 🔍
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Nitin Z
Good for Taiwan for taking action. Meanwhile, India banned many Chinese apps after the Galwan clash, but some still linger. We need constant monitoring. Also, the bus crash in China mentioned here shows safety issues for travellers. Let's not forget our own people's safety first. Stay alert, stay secure.

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