From its military origins to the age of artificial intelligence, technology has continuously reshaped global power dynamics. Taiwan has played a key role in this evolution—from the advent of academic networks to the widespread adoption of mobile devices and cloud computing. In this episode of Taiwan Internet Forum, we take a deep dive into the complex realm of internet governance, examining how Taiwan is navigating cross-border data regulation, the risks associated with AI, and the intensifying discourse on digital sovereignty. Discover how Taiwan is carving out its strategic role in the digital era—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Host: Ethan Liu
Speakers：
Kenny Huang, Board Chair, TWNIC
Wu Kuo-Wei, Chairperson of the Board, TWIGF
Meeting Minutes
The Birth and Evolution of the Internet
The internet began as a military communication network during the Cold War and has since evolved into a ubiquitous, global infrastructure. From ARPANET to the creation of the World Wide Web, and now the widespread use of cloud services and mobile devices, its development has bridged military, academic, commercial, and everyday applications. In Taiwan, this transformation started with the establishment of the national academic network and progressed in parallel with global digital trends, leading to the internet becoming an integral part of daily life.
Key Takeaways from Kenny Huang, Board Chair, TWNIC
The internet originated from military applications and adopted an open architecture, unlike traditional closed telecom systems.
It later transitioned to academic use, giving rise to services like email and websites.
Commercialization marked a major turning point, with cloud computing and mobile connectivity making internet use part of daily routines.
Mobile devices and the cloud turned internet access from a privilege into a basic need.
With the rise of cloud computing, devices no longer need to store large amounts of data locally—people can access information anywhere, dramatically reshaping work and life patterns.
Key Takeaways from Wu Kuo-Wei, Chairperson of the Board, TWIGF
He shared his experience with the internet during the 1980s in the U.S. and his role in establishing Taiwan’s first academic network upon returning.
To address the issue of centralized supercomputer usage, networking was introduced to enable remote access, thereby improving the sharing of academic resources.
Taiwan’s academic network marked the beginning of the country’s digital infrastructure and was a pivotal step toward digitalization.
He emphasized that the need to connect scholars to expensive computing resources catalyzed Taiwan’s large-scale digital infrastructure development.
Global Internet Governance and Digital Sovereignty
Internet governance has always been closely tied to politics and national sovereignty. The U.S. maintains a dominant role in managing internet architecture, sparking debates over DNS control, IP address allocation, and transnational regulation. While Europe promotes data protection and platform accountability, China moves toward state-driven digital authoritarianism. As a non-dominant actor, Taiwan faces the challenge of safeguarding its domain name authority, data sovereignty, and its voice in international internet governance.
Key Takeaways from Kenny Huang, Board Chair, TWNIC
Taiwan currently holds administrative authority over the .tw domain but faces potential geopolitical risks.
Internet governance extends beyond engineering and includes legal, diplomatic, and national security dimensions.
Taiwan must develop localized governance mechanisms to avoid losing influence in global decision-making.
Losing administrative control of the .tw domain to a foreign entity could spark digital sovereignty disputes and undermine Taiwan’s international standing.
Key Takeaways from Wu Kuo-Wei, Chairperson of the Board, TWIGF
Cited the 1997 White House “Framework for Global Electronic Commerce” paper, which acknowledged the transnational nature of internet governance.
Recalled the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which laid the foundation for multi-stakeholder governance, despite not reaching concrete consensus.
Asserted that “digital sovereignty” has become a global keyword—whoever controls platforms and data controls the rules.
Highlighted that the U.S. Republican Party continues to resist internationalizing internet resources, insisting on maintaining America’s leadership in internet governance.
Data Governance and Risks in the Age of AI
Generative AI and automation tools are transforming how data is produced and consumed. However, these advancements also raise serious concerns around data sovereignty, algorithmic bias, and the credibility of digital content. Issues such as fraud, deepfakes, and data breaches are now critical challenges for governance frameworks tasked with defining responsibility and protecting users in the AI era.
Key Takeaways from Kenny Huang, Board Chair, TWNIC
While AI offers convenience, it also obscures the boundaries of data origin, storage, and regulation.
Taiwan needs to develop its own AI governance models to balance innovation with ethical standards.
Effective data governance requires policies covering cybersecurity, national security, and data flow control.
Taiwan should prioritize localized and transparent datasets for AI training to prevent biased algorithms and manipulation of public opinion by foreign powers.
Key Takeaways from Wu Kuo-Wei, Chairperson of the Board, TWIGF
Data governance is not new—he cited the GDPR as a prime example of regulatory extraterritoriality.
Using WeChat or LINE as examples, he noted the difficulties Taiwanese courts face in obtaining evidence stored on foreign servers, exposing governance gaps.
He emphasized that data sovereignty is essential for national autonomy and advocated for domestic data centers and legal frameworks.
Called for the establishment of a cross-platform data access mechanism to enable both justice and digital rights, warning that without it, governments will remain powerless against digital crimes.
Taiwan’s Legal Framework and International Comparisons
The U.S., Europe, and China represent three distinct approaches to digital governance. The U.S. relies on market-driven mechanisms, Europe enforces strict regulatory frameworks, and China opts for top-down data control. Taiwan, situated between these systems, must address local industry and consumer needs while aligning with global standards and enhancing its digital security posture.
Key Takeaways from Kenny Huang, Board Chair, TWNIC
Highlighted Europe’s GDPR, DMA, and DSA as structured approaches Taiwan can learn from.
The AI Basic Law is a starting point, but Taiwan must also integrate data privacy and cross-border governance into a coherent legal system.
Without a legal foundation to protect consumers and local markets, Taiwan risks being marginalized by global tech platforms.
Suggested Taiwan consider digital service taxes and requiring foreign platforms to appoint local representatives to ensure balanced information and accountability.
Key Takeaways from Wu Kuo-Wei,Chairperson of the Board, TWIGF
Emphasized that the EU’s consumer protection-centric model is the preferred reference for academic and policy circles.
Noted China’s intensive regulation of data flows, citing ride-sharing and EV data as being routinely collected by the state.
While rejecting China’s authoritarian approach, he urged Taiwan to strengthen governance tools and data accountability.
Pointed out that Taiwan still lacks mechanisms for cross-border data requests, leaving law enforcement handicapped in handling fraud and cybersecurity cases.
Taiwan’s Digital Economy and Future Strategy
Internet governance and digital development will ultimately determine national competitiveness. In the face of American and Chinese dominance in tech, Taiwan must transform its hardware and semiconductor strengths into platform-based influence. Legal infrastructure, innovation capabilities, and data governance must grow in tandem.
Key Takeaways from Kenny Huang, Board Chair, TWNIC
Emphasized the need to simultaneously protect individual rights and foster market competition.
Taiwan must develop indigenous platforms to reduce its dependence on foreign tech giants.
Consumer protection and data transparency should be governance priorities to build public trust.
Advocated for building open-source platforms and localized cloud ecosystems to enhance Taiwan’s digital resilience and autonomy.
Key Takeaways from Wu Kuo-Wei, Chairperson of the Board, TWIGF
Despite producing over 80% of the world’s data center hardware, Taiwan remains underrepresented in platform-based digital economies.
Urged the establishment of stronger consumer protection laws to fend off foreign platform domination.
Called for continued ICT investment to convert manufacturing strengths into platform leadership.
Stressed that hardware strength alone doesn’t grant influence; Taiwan must integrate platform management, data governance, and consumer protection to establish a seat at the global digital table.
Moderator’s Closing Remarks
This episode begins with a historical overview of the internet’s evolution and moves into the challenges of modern governance. The internet is no longer a purely technical issue—it is deeply tied to democracy, sovereignty, economics, and human rights. As AI accelerates and global data flows expand, Taiwan must proactively develop a sovereign and resilient digital governance model to secure its place in the international digital order. Through the insights of two leading experts, this discussion sheds light on Taiwan’s critical role and strategic outlook in shaping the internet and AI future.