Agenda

14:00-14:05  Introduce
14:05-15:45  Panel Discussion

• Moderator:
  Hung, Kuochun─COO, Watchout. Co.
• Penalists:
  Kuo, Chia-yo─Chairman, Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association
  Hsu,Wuu-long─Founder, LASS Location Aware Sensor System
  Tsai, Victor─Co-founder and Business Director, Qsearch

15:45-16:00  Q&A

【The video only plays the content that the speaker agrees to disclose】

Meeting Minutes

This panel discussed strategies for building digital resilience among Taiwanese citizens and provided actionable solutions.

The moderator Hung started by stating that although the panelists today came from different organizations and engaged in various activities, they all recognized the importance of certain tasks that need to be done – defending Taiwan. He expressed the hope that this event would serve as a starting point for more involvement from the government or other entities for the same purpose.

Kuo from Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association stated that citizen resilience involves connecting multiple nodes. When everyone knows how to disseminate information, the more connections there are, the denser the network becomes, resulting in greater resilience. She introduced several cases her association used to attract international public discussion about Taiwan, such as memes and comics.

Kuo summarized that many countries also used social media to build value alliances, condemn or sanction specific national behaviors, and leverage the power of influencers (such as David Beckham) on platforms to assist in spreading Ukraine’s messages. Ukrainian citizens themselves also utilize social communities to establish emotional connections, provide accurate information to the outside world, integrate and express their needs, and strive to maintain the vitality of the community. She believes that Taiwan can learn from Ukraine’s experience by implementing clear audience segmentation for information dissemination, establishing channels for transitioning messages between peacetime and wartime, conducting content rehearsals within communities, and building awareness of international communication operations.

During the Ukraine-Russia war, Taiwanese people also provided support to Ukraine through social media. This support included translating frontline information, expressing solidarity and establishing personal connections.  Taiwan’s NFT community also discussed actively on Telegram about possible approaches to donate to Ukraine.

Kuo introduced the “Taiwan Community Defenders Crowdfunding Project” promoted by the Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association. The goal is to build the civilian capability for combating information warfare, ensuring that Taiwan’s situation continues to be known to the outside world. These skills need to be prepared in advance through training and improving everyone’s cognitive approaches. In conclusion, Kuo emphasized that cognitive warfare is an issue that Taiwan cannot ignore. The vast cyberspace requires collective efforts and awareness of transitioning between peacetime and wartime. The “Cognitive Warfare Defense Network and Taiwan Community Defenders Project” aims to integrate official and private resources, establish joint communication warfare networks domestically and internationally, allocate roles and tasks, and conduct practical exercises. Its goal is to safeguard Taiwan’s front line battlefield when necessary.

Ha Ba from LASS first elaborated on his journey in promoting related work. Initially, he had concerns about war but encouraged everyone to take action.  He then introduced the ATAK tool highlighting its practical application in the field for the US military, meeting their standards. Ha Ba explained that a downgraded version of ATAK is an open-source software available for download and use by anyone. During peacetime, the software can be utilized for purposes such as disaster prevention, relief efforts, mountaineering, and team activities, serving as a means to collect disaster-related information, understand the available supplies, track the locations of other teammates, and facilitate collaboration among teams. The software can also be extended for civilian use, for example, as an alternative communication tool when regular communication software fails to function.

Ha Ba emphasized that while communities are flexible and efficient, they require tools and frameworks to enhance their ability to respond to war. Although building the framework takes time, it doesn’t require many resources and can be constructed first. In the context of war, ATAK is suitable for small units to independently organize geospatial information and collaborate with teams, complementing existing management structures. Another benefit is that the system can be used during peacetime and can provide even greater utility during wartime.

The Moderator added comment that while nobody wants a war, but it is crucial to be prepared to face it. By being prepared, more people may become aware that initiating a war is not in their best interest. This can lower the enemy’s chances of success and increase the costs associated with engaging in war. As a result, the enemy may hesitate and reconsider their intentions to launch an attack.

Tsai from Qsearch then introduced how monitoring tools can be utilized in a wartime scenario. He began by explaining that Qsearch is a Facebook data analytics company that started with political sentiment analysis during elections in 2014. While their clients include political figures, the majority are general businesses. When organizations or brands need to manipulate online public opinion, they require more information as a basis for decision-making. Their tool can collect information about a specific post, such as where it is being exposed across various channels and whether individuals are responding favorably to the post.

In response to cognitive warfare, besides utilizing automated tools, different roles are necessary. For example, the government can regularly verify the accuracy of influential information channels and urge platforms to hold workshops for influential individuals, training them in information discernment skills. Additionally, platforms should enhance their monitoring mechanisms to raise the threshold for disseminating false information. Regarding media and influential individuals, Tsai believes that there should be mechanisms in place to check the production and dissemination of information. It is important to understand the scope and target audience of influence and promptly clarify and block the spread of false information. Collaboration mechanisms can be established with the government and platforms to report the dissemination of malicious messages. As for the public, deliberate subscription to influential figures with diverse backgrounds allows for multiple perspectives to be considered during events. Developing the habit of examining the background and positions of influential figures is also crucial. Furthermore, sharing the source and characteristics of malicious information with friends and relatives who may have lower discernment skills can be helpful.

He further suggest everyone to assist those who have less digital capacity to be away from false information, and regularly help elderly to block strange web pages/fan page ads on social platforms. It also entails helping seniors recognize behaviors of fraudulent accounts to prevent financial losses. Tsai concludes by suggesting the use of distinctive characteristics to establish friendly connections and showcasing Taiwan through these “Taiwanese shining examples.” This can include promoting products like Kavalan Whisky and highlighting Taiwan’s coral reefs. By creating connections between people’s interests and the world, we can foster a sense of engagement and digital citizenship.

During the discussion, the moderator raised the question that, As most of the major social media platforms in Taiwan are foreign-based, if external communication channels are disrupted, what can be done in advance to maintain our connections with the outside world? Kuo responded by suggesting that radio broadcasts could be one approach, and there are teams working on developing shortwave communication methods. She suggested to have emergency contacts and alternative communication channels in place at the national level. For example, in Ukraine, three media outlets formed an alliance and coordinated to support or replace each other when broadcasting becomes impossible. Tsai responded by all the preparation require drills and exercises

Regarding the role of individuals during war, Ha Ba mentioned the journey from fear to confusion to finding one’s own actions. Others’ experiences can serve as guidance for people, letting them know what they can do and reducing the trial-and-error process. When discussing these issues, the focus should be on each person’s role. The simpler the methods and tools, the more accessible they are to a larger number of people, and that’s how collective strength can be built. He reiterated the call for everyone to find one thing to commit to, whether it’s subscribing or posting, but the key is to take action.

Kuo suggested that people can practice photography and videography. In Ukraine, there are courses teaching citizens to gather evidence and explain Russia’s wrongdoing. People can also join other less commonly used social platforms in Taiwan, so when problems arise, they know to go to these platforms more frequently used by foreigners to share relevant information.

Tsai emphasized the importance of media literacy. Encouraging measures may be necessary to involve more people. Despite the efforts of civil society organizations, achieving consensus can be challenging, and government involvement would be highly beneficial. It is also important to discuss and enhance softer skills such as interpersonal connections and information dissemination.

In conclusion, the moderator summarized the way to get the giant and the way to drive government change through the power of the people. The role of major platforms is crucial. In times of war, it is not just about missiles and tanks; there are numerous ways to enhance a nation’s defense. Individuals must find ways to help themselves and have the power to assist their families. Learning new skills can significantly contribute to the overall national defense effort.

Presentation Download <Provided with the consent of the speaker>

• Hsu,Wuu-long─Founder, LASS Location Aware Sensor System Presentation Download