TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In response to the Kuomintang's (國民黨, KMT) accusations of surveillance by the Democratic Progressive Party (民進黨, DPP), DPP spokesperson Cho Kuan-ting (卓冠廷) clarified on Tuesday (May 28) that analyzing pedestrian traffic through mobile signal data is a standard method for conducting market research in the commercial sector.
This statement came after KMT legislators criticized the DPP for alleged surveillance practices, demanding President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to provide a clear explanation.
Clarifying Misunderstandings
Cho pointed out that significant events like New Taipei City's Christmasland (新北耶誕城), Taiwan Lantern Festival, and various tourist attraction surveys have utilized mobile signal data for big data analysis.
He emphasized that such practices are common and have been conducted by market analysis firms in the past. Cho also mentioned that the information shared by DPP Policy Committee Executive Director Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) on a political talk show the previous night was based on civilian research, similar to findings released by the New Power Party.
Addressing Accusations
Cho expressed regret over KMT Legislator Jessica Chen's (陳玉珍) accusations, stating that her interpretation of his statements as state machinery operation was an overactive imagination.
He suggested that if Chen had any doubts or misunderstandings, she could inquire with the New Taipei City Transportation Department about how the Christmasland pedestrian survey was conducted. Cho firmly stated that the DPP does not possess the equipment for such surveillance and has not conducted any investigations, urging the KMT to refrain from making unfounded speculations.
