The Ministry of Digital Affairs recently announced the results of a cybersecurity assessment for four Chinese apps. In addition to concerns over the navigation app Amap (高德地圖), the widely used streaming platforms Bilibili (嗶哩嗶哩) and iQIYI (愛奇藝), along with the chat app BimoBimo (比萌比萌), were also found to pose cybersecurity risks.
The ministry has advised the public to carefully evaluate their use of the applications.
The four apps are commonly used because they are useful and inexpensive, leading users to overlook their potential cybersecurity risks.
However, beyond Chinese-made apps, public concern has also been heightened over the use of pinhole cameras and smart surveillance cameras following such devices being found at several cosmetic clinics.
Most of the cameras are also manufactured in China, with smart cameras produced by Xiaomi Corp being particularly popular in Taiwan.
Smart cameras manufactured by Xiaomi are likely widely used because they are inexpensive — an online purchase costs less than NT$600 per unit — compact and capable of producing clear images.
They also support voice control and video recording and can be remotely monitored using a smartphone.
In addition, household needs such as caring for elderly family members and theft prevention might lead people to purchase and install the cameras in living rooms or the bedrooms of older family members.
Xiaomi smart cameras claim to feature a proprietary security chip that helps prevent hacking and enables encrypted data transmission.
They also use an artificial intelligence (AI)-based human detection system that identifies movement and sends real-time alerts to users’ mobile phones.
However, concerns remain that data might still be transmitted to servers on the other side of the Taiwan Strait. If private data were sent to China and analyzed using AI, the consequences would be serious.
The ministry of digital affairs should not only assess cybersecurity risks in China-based apps, but also extend testing to smart surveillance cameras manufactured in China.
If risks are identified, the government should consider banning their sale in Taiwan to prevent potential data leaks or access by scammer groups, to protecy public safety and personal property.
Chen Hung-hui is a military instructor and university life resources officer.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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