Since 1999, Taiwan has seen the mushrooming of Internet cafes, which provide Internet access, computer gaming and mobile office services. Taiwan now has more than 3,000 such cafes; the number is expected to grow to 5,000 by the end of the year. This new business has become a paradise for Taiwanese entrepreneurs. But there is a growing concern over whether this Pandora's box of technology is bringing happiness or disaster to Taiwan society. How to define and manage Internet cafes has become a major controversy.
Internet cafes bring together the cream of Taiwan's computer industry -- computer hardware, gaming software and broadband networks. Not only do they provide entertainment, they also serve as a showcase for IT education, thereby indirectly encouraging high-tech development. These cafes are one facet of Taiwan's knowledge-based economy and an industry that the government should encourage.
The Taipei City Government, however, has recently passed a draft bylaw to govern the management of Internet cafes. The draft is to be sent to the city council this week for review and approval. The proposed regulations class the cybercafes almost on a par with video game parlors and karaoke clubs. While the city should be lauded for the good intentions behind its decision to impose restrictions on juveniles using the cybercafes, its rush to judgement appears ill-advised. Internet cafe owners have also criticized the city government for the way it defines their businesses.
The city government's concerns about these cafes center around fears they could become dens of iniquity -- featuring gambling, pornography, violent computer games, intellectual property right infringements and sexual predators using the Internet to arrange for dates. But Internet cafes are different from video game parlors, which are the favorite haunt of rogues of all colors. There are also no signs so far that the cafes have become a bastion of gambling activities. So perhaps this new kind of business requires a new way of thinking.
The government should encourage cybercafe owners to establish a business association and practice self-discipline. If the government can lead the Internet cafes in the right direction, they could become healthy entertainment venues for young people in a country that is sorely lacking in such facilities.
"Easy restrictions and heavy punishment" should be the principle for regulating Internet cafes. There should be heavy punishments for violators of regulations involving safety and hygiene, including carbon-dioxide levels, sound volume, lighting, fire prevention and restrictions on business hours. On the other hand, the behavior of juveniles while they are in Internet cafes should be the joint responsibility of the cafe owners, parents and schools -- not just the cafe owners. Requiring children under 15 to be accompanied by their parents or guardians and banning the cafes within 200m of schools is almost like asking people to quit eating because they have choked on food. The rules are also incompatible with the situation on the ground.
For juveniles in Taiwan, visiting Internet cafes is almost like going to a basketball court or swimming pool. If computer games are already rated, then why must an adult accompany a kid? If the city wants more adult supervision at these cafes, then wouldn't it be better to let Internet cafes set up shop closer to schools? If the government can view the Internet cafes in light of its drive to create a knowledge-based economy, Taiwan may see the emergence of a giant software company like Sega or Nintendo. Who knows, the cybercafes could already be cultivating software geniuses like Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.
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