TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs updated its list of high-risk “restricted” software to include five popular Chinese social media applications: TikTok, Weibo, WeChat, RedNote, and Baidu.
The Taiwan Entertainment Software Rating Information system established by MODA is intended to assist parents, educators, and other authorities in determining what programs and games may be harmful for children and teenagers. The inclusion of the Chinese apps in the restricted category follows a 2025 study conducted by the National Security Bureau, reported CNA.
The ministry emphasized that the list and labeling scheme were drafted as reference materials and are constantly being updated. The legislature or relevant ministries will determine whether to prohibit certain applications based on inappropriate content and security risks.
The classifications, drafted by MODA’s Administration for Digital Industries, include five risk levels based on the nature of the application or content. The first level is general and safe for all ages, the second, third, and fourth levels call for parental guidance, with suggested age levels of 6-plus, 12-plus, and 15-plus, respectively.
The fifth level is for restricted content, suitable for those at least 18 years old. The slate of popular Chinese social media apps was rated as restricted based on concerns they may access device storage, exceed user permissions, obtain biometric data, and access device information to collect sensitive data, per CNA.
The ministry emphasized that under Chinese law, companies may be compelled to provide user data to the government in Beijing, which may put Taiwanese users at risk. MODA urges users to think carefully about what apps they download on their device and the permissions they grant.
