TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's top environmental official has called for drastic measures against a popular social media platform, citing concerns over orchestrated disinformation campaigns targeting government policies. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) urged fellow cabinet members Monday (April 28) to consider implementing a comprehensive ban on TikTok, the Chinese-owned video-sharing app that has gained widespread popularity among younger Taiwanese. The minister's unprecedented recommendation follows what he described as systematic efforts by users to undermine environmental initiatives through fabricated claims, including false rumors about imminent nationwide fees for disposable utensils.
Speaking before Taiwan's parliament, the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Minister Peng revealed his ministry's intention to pursue legal action through formal police complaints against the perpetrators. The environmental chief pointed to what he characterized as coordinated efforts by an unnamed media organization that has been "systematically disseminating false information to disparage the government," distinguishing these activities from random individual posts. The parliamentary session further highlighted the scope of the problem when Indigenous legislator Chen Ying (陳瑩) voiced alarm over fabricated stories connecting government officials to controversial wind farm developments in eastern Taiwan's Taitung County. Chen noted these rumors potentially violate Taiwan's Public Officials Election and Recall Act (公職人員選舉罷免法) by improperly linking legitimate environmental petitions with politically motivated recall campaigns.
The controversy stems partly from confusion over a legitimate but limited new policy in Taiwan's capital. Taipei City's upcoming regulations, set to take effect July 22, will require government agencies, educational institutions, and their contracted vendors to implement a minimum NT$1 (US$0.03) fee for each disposable utensil provided with food and beverage sales. Minister Peng expressed frustration that despite repeated clarifications from the Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部), Taiwan's national environmental protection agency, substantial portions of the public continue to accept and share false narratives about the scope and nature of the policy. His unprecedented call for completely blocking the platform underscores mounting official concern about social media's impact on public policy discourse and environmental initiatives in Taiwan. ★
