TAIPEI (Taiwan News)— Two Chinese women are being investigated for breaching privacy laws for livestreaming students in Taipei.
On May 15, DPP Taipei City Councilor Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華) said on her Facebook page that parents had reported a Chinese Douyin live streamer filming elementary students around the Minsheng community, per CNA. The footage reportedly included captions indicating a live broadcast from Taiwan and an introduction to the school’s surroundings.
Despite repeated warnings from parents and volunteers, the streamer allegedly refused to stop until they threatened to call the police. The Songshan Precinct received a call around 8 a.m. and dispatched officers, but the woman had already left.
Police said the incident occurred during students' morning arrival. Surveillance footage showed a woman holding a selfie stick and filming as she walked along an alley near Section 4, Minsheng East Road, per CNA.
Police later identified the suspect as a 52-year-old Chinese spouse surnamed Liu (劉), who lives near the school. Summoned on May 16, Liu claimed she was sharing her daily life in Taiwan.
Authorities said that since Hsu had filed a formal complaint, Liu has been referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office and the Taipei City Government. She is suspected of committing offenses against privacy under the Criminal Code and infringing on the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act.
Similar incidents of Chinese live streamers broadcasting near schools have recently been reported in various parts of Taiwan, raising public concern. The Taipei case involving Liu reportedly is the first to result in legal actions.
In a second case at the intersection of Sanmin Road and Jiankang Road in Taipei's Songshan District, the family of a student who was filmed filed a police complaint. After an investigation, police summoned a 25-year-old Chinese spouse surnamed Tai (戴) for questioning, per FTV News.
Tai was subsequently transferred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office and reported to the Taipei City Government for administrative penalties. In either case, a breach of the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act can result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 (US$2,000) to NT$600,000.
