Democracies are concerned about data security and rights as a result of China's AI development
Democratic Nations Urged to Ban Chinese AI Platforms Over Security Risks
Democratic countries should move quickly to ban Chinese-linked artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and work together to create strict global rules to regulate AI, according to a report cited by The Taipei Times.
The report, released by the Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology Research Institute in Taipei, warned that China-backed AI technologies pose serious risks to data security, democratic systems and human rights. It called on Taiwan and other democracies to prohibit Chinese-funded AI models and introduce strict review mechanisms to prevent user data from being transferred to China.
Speaking at the report’s launch, researchers said close policy coordination among democratic nations is necessary to counter China’s growing global data influence. Huang Kai-shen, director of the institute’s Democratic Governance Research Program, said China’s AI strategy focuses on information control, exporting its governance model and large-scale commercial expansion. He noted that China first tested AI tools domestically before rapidly expanding overseas last year, raising security concerns.
Huang warned that the Chinese government’s deep involvement in private technology companies makes the use of Chinese-developed AI a national security risk for other countries.
Program deputy director Lai You-hao said China’s push into global AI markets appears linked to efforts to collect foreign data. He added that Chinese AI systems lack independent judicial oversight and strong legal protections for users. Lai also warned that advanced AI can infer highly sensitive personal information from minimal user data, posing serious privacy risks.
He said foreign data can reach China through multiple channels, including Chinese servers, internal corporate data-sharing and government access requests, calling these risks systemic rather than theoretical.
Human rights groups also expressed concern. Liu I-chen from the London-based organisation Article 19 warned that Chinese-developed AI could threaten freedom of expression and other basic rights.
Taiwanese officials said action is already underway. Chou Chih-ho of the Ministry of Digital Affairs’ Cyber Security Administration said Taiwan has strengthened information security since 2001, including banning government agencies from using Chinese software, services and hardware.
However, Tamkang University professor Tu Yu-yin said technology alone is not enough, calling for greater public awareness and the creation of an independent authority to protect personal data.
