Taiwan sounds alarm as Chinese apps accused of secret data harvesting
Taipei, May 28
Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs has raised serious concerns over cybersecurity threats posed by several Chinese-made mobile applications, warning that they may expose Taiwanese users' personal information to authorities in China.
The ministry specifically highlighted four apps: navigation platform Amap, video streaming services bilibili and iQIYI, and messaging application BIMOBIMO during a press briefing held in Taipei, as reported by Focus Taiwan.
According to Focus Taiwan, the warning comes as Amap has become one of the most downloaded navigation applications on both Android and iOS platforms in Taiwan, increasing concerns among officials about the scale of potential data collection. The Administration for Cyber Security (ACS), operating under MODA, conducted a detailed review of the applications using 15 separate cybersecurity indicators. Officials examined how the apps handled user data, including whether they accessed information from other apps, collected and transmitted personal data, retrieved device information, or monitored user activity.
Amap displayed the highest number of risky behaviours among the four applications, with 11 security concerns detected on Android devices and eight on Apple's iOS system. ACS Director-General Tsai Fu-Longe stated that the primary concern surrounding Chinese-made apps is the possibility that user information could be transmitted to China, potentially creating national security risks. He further noted that the Android version of Amap was found to continue transmitting data even when the app was not actively in use.
Senior ACS official Lee Yu-wei explained that under China's Cybersecurity Law and National Intelligence Law, companies operating within China may be legally compelled to provide user data to Chinese authorities if requested. Investigators found the apps capable of continuously tracking user locations and accessing sensitive permissions, including contacts, microphones, audiovisual files, and other device data, as highlighted by Focus Taiwan.
Taiwanese authorities also compared Amap with Google Maps and concluded that the Chinese-developed platform requested broader privacy permissions. While warning specifically about Chinese apps, officials emphasised that users should remain cautious with all digital platforms by reviewing permission requests carefully and adopting cybersecurity protection measures, as reported by Focus Taiwan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's interesting how Taiwan is specifically calling out Chinese apps while also cautioning about all digital platforms. The comparison with Google Maps is telling - both have data collection issues, but the concern about data reaching Chinese authorities under their laws is legitimate. Every country should have similar safeguards.
I've been saying this for years! We all need to read app permissions carefully. But honestly, even many Indian apps collect too much data. The government should enforce stricter data protection laws for everyone. Respectful criticism: While China's laws are concerning, let's not forget that US apps also share data with their government.
The fact that Amap continues transmitting data even when not in use is alarming. This is a serious privacy violation. I think India should also conduct similar audits for apps popular here. We can learn from Taiwan's approach of using specific security indicators to evaluate apps.
Arre bhai, this is a wake-up call. We use so many apps daily without thinking. But we also need to question why governments collect so much data. The real solution is strong data protection laws that apply equally to all companies, whether American, Chinese, or Indian. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
This is a global issue that needs global solutions. While Taiwan's concerns are valid, I think it's important to note that many countries have laws requiring companies to share data. The key is transparency and user consent. India's Personal Data Protection Bill should address these concerns comprehensively.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.