Taiwan’s Digital Ministry Faces Scrutiny Over Facebook Scam Ads
Taipei, Taiwan – The issue of scam advertisements on Facebook has reached a boiling point, as Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) reveals that the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has yet to take action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook. Despite the removal of over 38,000 scam ads in the first quarter of 2025, the accountability of digital platforms remains a hot topic.
A Legislative Wake-Up Call
During a recent legislative session, KMT Legislator Hung Mong-kai pressed MODA for answers about penalties under the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act. The MODA Deputy Minister, Lin Yi-jing, stated that the ministry has not received feedback regarding the issue from the Interior Ministry. This lack of communication raises serious questions about the enforcement capabilities of Taiwan’s government when combating digital fraud.
The "Endless Loop" of Reporting
The CIB has criticized MODA for its inaction, highlighting that law enforcement frequently requests the removal of fraudulent content, only to find the same scam ads reposted later. This creates an “endless loop” of monitoring, reporting, and rediscovery, underscoring the need for preventive measures and consequences for platforms like Facebook.
AI Claims vs. Reality
Meta has claimed to leverage artificial intelligence to combat the scourge of scam ads. However, the frequency of these fraudulent posts raises doubts about the effectiveness of these measures. Huang Kuo-shih, the executive secretary of the Cabinet’s anti-fraud unit, mentioned that the persistent nature of these ads casts doubt on Meta’s commitment to utilizing technology for user safety.
Calls for Accountability
On April 25, the CIB formally requested MODA to impose fines on Meta for failing to disclose the sponsors behind 15 scam ads. In addition, they urged Meta to suspend accounts consistently engaged in posting fraudulent content. A police source indicated that the call for legal tools and penalties against platforms dates back to 2016, when online fraud began to proliferate.
Local Leaders Take Action
Independent Taipei City Councilor Tseng Hsien-ying has called for the Taipei City Government to sue Meta on behalf of citizens. He contends that under the law, Meta is obligated to remove fraudulent advertisements. Tseng has pressed Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an to take decisive action rather than relying solely on the central government.
Legal Complexities Ahead
However, legal challenges remain. Commissioner Lien Tang-kai of the Taipei Legal Affairs Department stated that the city lacks the legal standing to sue Meta, as the victims are private citizens. Any case would necessitate proving that Meta was aware—or should have been aware—of the fraudulent content. Chiang has directed his team to pursue legal options, hoping for a collaborative solution with Meta.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As the situation unfolds, it is evident that a coordinated response is essential to safeguard citizens against online scams. The inability of governmental bodies to effectively penalize powerful tech giants like Meta highlights a critical gap in digital governance. With escalating pressures from law enforcement and local officials, one can only hope for a meaningful transformation in how platforms address fraudulent advertisements. Taiwan stands at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape the integrity of its digital landscape tomorrow.
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