Separate the Wheat from the Chaff: Taiwan's Challenges and Mitigation Strategies Against Disinformation

Chen-yi Tu

《Taiwan Strategists》 12期 (2021/12) Pp. 35-50

摘要

Disinformation is an age-old issue that is facilitated by digital technology. While advances in technology such as the Internet already poses challenges for governance, disinformation has evolved rapidly from discourse in domestic politics to international security. Taiwan has developed its own strategies for countering disinformation and has achieved a certain level of success, but challenges remain from the overall information environment and new technologies such as deepfakes. Despite all these challenges in countering disinformation, there are opportunities for Taiwan. The key is viewing disinformation from a new perspective. Although disinformation related to politics usually receives most of the attention, it should be noted that disinformation also threatens human security. The harm caused by disinformation, such as that seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrates how it can threaten people's survival, livelihood, and dignity by exacerbating the effects of a traditional health emergency. Besides a transparent, multi-stakeholder approach that enhances engagement from government, fact-checking organizations and social media platforms will continue to be essential for sustaining success. And a human-centered approach is a necessary next step. Building a platform for further collaboration and promoting a healthy information environment, Taiwan can better share its experiences with disinformation to international community.

關鍵字

Disinformation ； Information Environment ； Digital Media ； Human Security ； Internet Governance