TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA, 數位發展部) imposed a NT$2.5 million (around US$82,237) penalty on Meta Platforms Thursday (Aug. 21) for violating anti-fraud regulations by failing to remove deceptive advertisements within mandatory 24-hour deadlines. The social media giant's latest violation of the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act (防詐條例) stems from complaints filed by Taipei City Government officials regarding persistent fraudulent content. Government regulators have demanded Meta implement comprehensive corrective measures within the next 30 days to address ongoing compliance failures.
Meta has accumulated three penalties totaling NT$18.5 million (around US$608,553) in recent months due to persistent fraudulent advertisement violations across its platforms. The technology company blamed notification delays on Taiwan's government agencies using traditional paper-based reporting systems rather than digital communication channels, which allegedly hindered their content review processes. Meta successfully removed 95% of reported fraudulent advertisements within the required 24-hour timeframe despite administrative challenges. Company representatives pledged continued cooperation with Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs and law enforcement to strengthen anti-fraud content moderation efforts.
Ministry officials confirmed complete removal of all flagged fraudulent advertisements following regulatory intervention and enforcement actions. Authorities mandated Meta executives attend high-level meetings with Taiwan's High Prosecutors Office (高等檢察署), Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (法務部調查局), Ministry of the Interior (內政部), and Taipei City Government representatives. The violations originated from 1,763 cases reported by Taipei authorities on Tuesday (June 18) and Monday (July 14), including 77 advertisements not removed within deadlines and 1,686 lacking proper advertiser disclosure information. Despite Meta's removal of 95% of problematic content, regulators imposed financial penalties for the remaining non-compliant advertisements. ◼
