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Taiwan Bans Six Chinese Apps on Campus Networks Over Security Fears

Taiwan's Ministry of Education will restrict access to six Chinese applications on all campus internet networks and prohibit their use on official devices, citing information security risks. The move follows a warning from the Ministry of Digital Affairs and aligns with the Cyber Security Management Act and child protection laws. Deputy Minister Chu Chun-chang stated the ministry has safeguarded networks against inappropriate content since 2014 and will promote healthy online habits. Schools are urged to avoid high-risk apps in teaching, with the ministry offering alternative databases for educational content.

Key Points: Taiwan Restricts Chinese Apps on School Networks for Security

  • Six Chinese apps classified as security threats
  • Access blocked on campus networks and official devices
  • Action follows Digital Ministry's warning
  • Part of cybersecurity and child protection laws
  • Ministry provides alternative educational databases
2 min read

Taiwan to restrict six Chinese apps on campus networks over security concerns

Taiwan's education ministry blocks six Chinese apps, including TikTok, on campus networks and official devices citing cybersecurity and student safety concerns.

"It is important to monitor young people's mental health in education and to guide them in maintaining a healthy balance between online life and the physical world. - Chu Chun-chang"

Taipei Januar, y 30

Campus internet networks will restrict access to six Chinese applications classified as security threats by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the Ministry of Education said, according to a Taipei Times report.

Taiwan's digital ministry announced last month that the apps pose information security risks, urging people to safeguard their digital security. Referring to this warning, the Ministry of Education said at a news conference that TikTok has also been fined by several countries for hosting harmful content.

The education ministry said it will prohibit the downloading, installation and use of these six applications on official devices and block access to them on campus networks, including TANet and iTaiwan hotspots at schools and ministry agencies.

TANet is a free network service provided to students and teachers by the Ministry of Education. Taiwan has more than 9,000 hotspots nationwide, which are operated by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Taipei Times reported.

The move is part of the Ministry of Education's efforts to secure campus networks under the Cyber Security Management Act and the Child and Juvenile Welfare and Rights Protection Act, Deputy Minister of Education Chu Chun-chang said. He added that the ministry has regularly safeguarded campus networks against inappropriate content since 2014. The ministry said schools should avoid using high-risk applications in teaching activities to ensure that all educational materials are suitable, as cited by the Taipei Times report.

The ministry also pointed to two databases available on its media and literary education website for classroom use, one focusing on Xiaohongshu and another on short-form content.

Chu said it is important to monitor young people's mental health in education and to guide them in maintaining a healthy balance between online life and the physical world. He added that the ministry would continue cooperating with schools and parents to build a better learning and development environment for young people, as noted by the Taipei Times report.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Protecting children from inappropriate content and data harvesting is a global concern. India has also taken similar steps in the past for national security. It's good to see focus on mental health and guiding youth towards a balanced digital life. More countries should have such policies.
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Rohit P
While security is important, I hope this doesn't become a tool for excessive censorship. The line between protecting and controlling information can be thin. Providing alternative educational databases is a positive step, though.
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Sarah B
Interesting move. The global debate on tech sovereignty and data privacy is heating up. From an Indian perspective, we've seen how vulnerable user data can be. Securing educational networks should be a priority everywhere.
K
Karthik V
Good decision. Young minds are easily influenced. In India, we also need stricter guidelines for apps used in schools. The focus on mental health is crucial – too much screen time and algorithm-driven content is harmful for kids. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
The technical implementation will be key. Blocking apps on campus Wi-Fi is one thing, but students will just use mobile data. The educational component—teaching digital literacy and balance—is perhaps more important than the ban itself.

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