A Chinese Douyin livestreamer was reported to police for questioning over nonconsensual streaming of elementary school students in Taipei earlier this month. On Monday, the Investigation Bureau Director confirmed in a legislative meeting that this and other similar cases are being investigated as possible national security threats.
The case involves 52-year-old Chinese spouse surnamed Liu (劉), who was allegedly broadcasting to introduce the neighborhood around an elementary school near the Minsheng community. Despite repeated requests to stop filming from parents and school volunteers, Liu continued filming the children’s arrival to school until she was eventually reported to the police. The incident sparked concerns, especially because it appears to violate the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act, which can carry fines of NT$60,000 (US$2,000) to NT$600,000 (US$20,000).
DPP Secretary-General Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤) brought up these cases in Monday’s Legislative Judiciary Committee meeting. She mentioned that the Minsheng community case is just one of several in which livestreamers have been reported for filming children at school. Wu pointed out these cases, which have all involved Chinese nationals, could be considered crimes of national security. While lauding the prosecutor’s continued investigation for privacy violations, she called on the Investigation Bureau to also initiate an investigation into the string of incidents.
Investigation Bureau Director Michael Chen (陳立白) responded by saying that the bureau shares Wu’s concerns and has already launched investigations. Chen said they are currently gathering more information on all related cases in attempts to verify whether these do truly qualify as national security threats, and whether these cases are connected in any way.
Wu also called on all relevant units to assist with the investigation to uncover the truth as soon as possible, especially to deter this unsettling trend.