On Thursday Taiwan’s communications authority held the first of three information sessions on a draft digital intermediary service act. The act was announced in June and would regulate internet platforms like Facebook and DCard to make them responsible for their content and safeguard users’ rights.
Communications regulator Wang Te-wei says the proposed law has three main purposes. It will force online platforms to make sure their content conforms with the law, and prevent them from arbitrarily preventing users from exercising their right to free speech. The law will also make platforms responsible for fake accounts meant to steer public opinion.
Taiwan Network Information Center head Huang Sheng-hsiung says Taiwan has a small market, meaning regulators don’t have the ability to demand more from service providers. He says regulations targeting Internet Service Providers should first be thoroughly discussed before being finalized.
The act also allows authorities to ask a judge for emergency approval to limit certain kinds of speech. Huang recommends that judges approve certain requests within four hours.