Information security experts yesterday expressed concern over the risk of personal data being leaked to China, after an app from a Chinese company that uses generative artificial intelligence (AI) went viral on social media in Taiwan.
After a user provides access to their social media accounts on services such as Instagram, X or LinkedIn, the AI-powered app Roast Master analyzes the user and generates sardonic comments about their MBTI personality type — referring to the personality assessment tool Myers-Briggs Type Indicator popular among younger people — weaknesses and strengths, and fortune predictions for the year.
Roast Master is offered as one of the services provided by the AI assistant Monica, but it was developed by a Chinese company of the same name, whose Chinese parent company is Butterfly Effect Pte.
Photo: Reuters
As a highlighted feature of Monica, Roast Master is touted as “the ultimate AI roast generator for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter [X]” and other social media despite Instagram and X being banned in China, indicating that the company is aimed at overseas markets.
Monica’s intention to enter the Taiwan market is also reflected in its numerous advertisements in Taiwan and the app’s language options, which include Traditional Chinese for Taiwan and Hong Kong.
While using the Web site as a stand-alone service would be less risky, as it reveals less information to the service provider, downloading and registering on the company’s app would allow it to track user behavior, preferences and even access private information, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Taiwan Information Security Center director said Cha Shi-cho (查士朝) said.
The Chinese-developed AI assistant could also provide users with misleading information to manipulate their thinking, he said, adding that “it is fine to have fun, but the generated results should not be taken seriously.”
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) said that it is known that these apps could access personal data of their users such as contacts, location and social media accounts.
There are security risks when it comes to using services provided by Chinese companies or those with Chinese investments, as Chinese law enables the authorities to access their personal data, he said.
Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Lin Yi-jing (林宜敬) said the ministry would step up efforts to raise the public’s awareness about the importance of information security.
Taiwan is a democracy with strong freedoms so the government should not impose strict regulations like authoritarian countries, he said.
Although AI-powered services present challenges to information security and freedom of speech, the government would only ban a product if it is proven to be a clear security concern, such as by recording voices or activating cameras without user consent, Lin said.
Cha said people should choose trustworthy companies when using online services and beware of security risks such as data leaks with unidentified service providers.
Some apps ask users to grant permissions that are not necessary for their functions, including access to microphones and cameras, so users should be aware they should not upload too much information which could reveal their identity, he added.
SPACE VETERAN: Kjell N. Lindgren, who helps lead NASA’s human spaceflight missions, has been on two expeditions on the ISS and has spent 311 days in space Taiwan-born US astronaut Kjell N. Lindgren is to visit Taiwan to promote technological partnerships through one of the programs organized by the US for its 250th national anniversary. Lindgren would be in Taiwan from Tuesday to Saturday next week as part of the US Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ US Speaker Program, organized to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said in a statement yesterday. Lindgren plans to engage with key leaders across the nation “to advance cutting-edge technological partnerships and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers,”
UNREASONABLE SURVEILLANCE: A camera targeted on an road by a neighbor captured a man’s habitual unsignaled turn into home, netting him dozens of tickets The Taichung High Administrative Court has canceled all 45 tickets given to a man for failing to use a turn signal while driving, as it considered long-term surveillance of his privacy more problematic than the traffic violations. The man, surnamed Tseng (曾), lives in Changhua County and was reported 45 times within a month for failing to signal while driving when he turned into the alley where his residence is. The reports were filed by his neighbor, who set up security cameras that constantly monitored not only the alley but also the door and yard of Tseng’s house. The surveillance occurred from July
A Japan Self-Defense Forces vessel entered the Taiwan Strait yesterday, Japanese media reported. After passing through the Taiwan Strait, the Ikazuchi was to proceed to the South China Sea to take part in a joint military exercise with the US and the Philippines, the reports said. Japan Self-Defense Force vessels were first reported to have passed through the strait in September, 2024, with two further transits taking place in February and June last year, the Asahi Shimbun reported. Yesterday’s transit also marked the first time since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office that a Japanese warship has been sent through the Taiwan
‘SAME OLD TRICK’: Even if Beijing resumes individual travel to Taiwan, it would only benefit Chinese tourism companies, the Economic Democracy Union convener said China’s 10 new “incentives” are “sugar-coated poison,” an official said yesterday, adding that Taiwanese businesses see them clearly for what they are, but that Beijing would inevitably find some local collaborators to try to drums up support. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, made the remark ahead of a news conference the General Chamber of Commerce is to hold today. The event, titled “Industry Perspectives on China’s Recent Pro-Taiwan Policies,” is expected to include representatives from industry associations — such as those in travel, hotels, food and agriculture — to request the government cooperate with China’s new measures, people familiar with
RSS