Digital Intermediary Service Act Controversy; NCC Accused of Attempting Online Censorship

In August 2022, under the leadership of Chen Yaw-shyang, the NCC pushed for the "Digital Intermediary Service Act" draft. The bill authorized government agencies to demand platforms tag or remove content deemed as "rumors" or "fake news," with exorbitant fines for non-compliance. Critics labeled it "Internet Martial Law," arguing it would force platforms into massive self-censorship and strip citizens of freedom of speech. Following collective protests from PTT, Dcard, and major telecom operators, the government was forced to suspend the bill. The case demonstrated an attempt to extend ruling party control into the digital world to silence dissent.