A 52-year-old Chinese national living in Taiwan is under investigation for suspected privacy violations after she was caught live streaming elementary school students as they were leaving school in Taipei. The incident has ignited widespread public concern over the privacy of minors, cross-strait tensions, and the use of Chinese social media apps in Taiwan.
📍 Incident Overview
The incident occurred on May 15, 2025, in Taipei’s Minsheng community, where the woman—identified only by her surname Liu (劉)—allegedly used Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, to livestream schoolchildren without the consent of their parents or the school.
Taipei City Councilor Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華) of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) brought attention to the case through a Facebook post. Citing complaints from parents, she alleged that Liu ignored repeated requests to stop filming, only halting when parents threatened to call the police.
By the time police arrived, Liu had left the scene. However, surveillance camera footage helped track her down the next day. She was taken in for questioning by the Songshan Police Precinct.
🎥 Liu’s Defense and Police Response
According to police statements, Liu, who is married to a Taiwanese citizen and resides legally in Taiwan, claimed she was simply livestreaming her daily life in Taiwan to showcase “local customs” to her followers on Douyin.
However, police clarified that filming individuals without their consent—especially minors—may constitute a violation of both privacy laws and Taiwan’s Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act.
Authorities have referred the case to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, which will determine whether Liu will face formal charges under the Criminal Code for offenses against privacy and other relevant laws protecting minors.
🔍 Broader Implications: Privacy, National Security, and Social Media Surveillance
1. Legal Gray Zones in Public Filming
While Taiwan does not outright ban the filming of people in public spaces, the distribution and publication of such content—especially when it involves children—must adhere to portrait rights and child protection laws.
Livestreaming is particularly problematic because it bypasses editorial review, and any inappropriate or sensitive footage can spread instantly. Even if Liu had no malicious intent, the act of streaming schoolchildren to a foreign-controlled platform like Douyin raises red flags.
2. Use of Douyin Raises Red Flags
Taiwan has strict cybersecurity protocols when it comes to Chinese apps, especially amid escalating tensions with Beijing. Douyin, operated by ByteDance, is under Chinese data laws that may compel companies to share data with government agencies.
This incident raises the possibility of soft surveillance—whether intentional or not—by foreign nationals using apps that are vulnerable to misuse or state interference. Taiwan’s government has previously warned about Chinese social media tools being used for propaganda or intelligence-gathering.
3. Public Sensitivities Over Children’s Safety
Taiwanese society, like many others, is extremely protective of children’s privacy and welfare. The fact that the incident involved elementary school students triggered an emotional reaction, especially given the identity of the streamer as a Chinese citizen.
This has rekindled debates over foreign residents’ access to public institutions, surveillance risks, and the extent to which freedom of expression can be limited to safeguard children’s rights.
🗣️ Expert Commentary
Dr. Lin Mei-hua, a digital rights expert at National Chengchi University, commented:
“While Taiwan upholds freedom of speech, this case demonstrates how technology can blur ethical and legal boundaries. Livestreaming minors to an audience outside of Taiwan—especially through a Chinese-owned platform—must be viewed through both a privacy and national security lens.”
Chiang Wen-chih, a legal advisor on child protection law, added:
“Consent is key. In this case, the children’s guardians clearly objected to the filming. Ignoring that objection can be legally problematic. And when it comes to foreign nationals, Taiwan must ensure its laws are applied consistently, regardless of intent.”
📌 Conclusion
The incident involving Liu has become more than just a local privacy issue—it’s a microcosm of cross-border digital ethics, child safety, and Taiwan’s delicate relationship with China. As the investigation proceeds, this case could influence future regulatory actions concerning livestreaming, surveillance, and foreign influence via social media platforms.
📎FAQs
Is it legal to livestream people in public places in Taiwan?
Not necessarily illegal, but distributing footage—especially of minors—without consent may violate privacy and child protection laws.
Why is Douyin problematic in Taiwan?
Douyin is governed by Chinese data laws. Its use raises concerns about surveillance, propaganda, and data security.
Will the woman face jail time?
If prosecuted and convicted under the Criminal Code or child protection laws, penalties could include fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity.
What laws are potentially involved in this case?
Articles under Taiwan’s Criminal Code on privacy violations and the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act.
How can parents in Taiwan protect their children from such incidents?
Schools can enforce no-filming zones and report suspicious activities. Parents can also educate children on privacy and report violations immediately.
