MODA plans to block TikTok on school Wi-Fi networks: Minister

Taipei, Oct. 15 (CNA) The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) plans to restrict access to TikTok on Wi-Fi networks in elementary and junior high schools, but a nationwide ban would require "social consensus" due to its implications for freedom of speech, Digital Affairs Minister Lin Yi-ching (林宜敬) said Wednesday.

Lin made the remarks in a legislative session, during which Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) called for a total ban on the social media platform developed by the Chinese company, ByteDance, in schools.

Hung cited growing concerns that TikTok's algorithm, which recommends personalized content to users, poses risks to the mental and physical health of children and teenagers.

Lin said MODA has already brought TikTok under regulatory oversight, adding that there are three main areas of concern regarding the platform: data storage, the extent of Chinese ownership and its potential harm to minors.

The first two issues are already being discussed between TikTok and the United States, Lin noted.

As for the protection of minors, MODA is working closely with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and other agencies to draft regulations that would prohibit children under 12 from creating TikTok accounts and impose certain restrictions on users aged 13 to 15.

MODA also plans to use technological measures to limit student access to TikTok on school campuses, Lin said.

However, he added that schools will not be required to inspect students' phones; instead, access to TikTok will be blocked through campus Wi-Fi networks.

As for whether TikTok should be banned, Lin said such a decision would require social consensus, as it involves freedom of speech.

For now, the government will start by focusing on measures to protect minors, he said.

At the legislative session, Hung Meng-kai also said that if the goal is to protect minors, the government should not only consider restricting TikTok but also review all apps that may pose risks to children and teenagers, such as dating platforms.

He urged a comprehensive review to create a list and establish a classification system.

In response, Lin said MODA will discuss the issue with the MOE and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, expressing hope that a preliminary plan can be developed by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) said in a separate legislative session that his ministry will respond through both campus rules and media literacy education to help students identify misinformation.