RightsCon Global Digital Human Rights Conference has shifted to Taiwan this year and is being held in Taipei for four consecutive days starting from the 24th. During the opening ceremony, Taiwan’s Vice President, Xiao Meiqin, expressed her hope for international cooperation in building a digital environment that prioritizes safeguarding individual freedoms and preventing abuse.
Organized by the international organization Access Now, the 2025 RightsCon Global Digital Human Rights Conference invited Taiwan’s Vice President, Xiao Meiqin, to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony on the 24th. She first welcomed the attendees on behalf of the Taiwan government and people. “We are honored to host this gathering of thought leaders, policymakers, tech experts, and activists who share a common belief in defending human rights in the digital age,” she said.
Xiao Meiqin pointed out that “In terms of human rights and political freedom, Taiwan has been rated as one of the most open and democratic societies in Asia. However, we do not take this for granted. In my life experience, I have personally witnessed the longest-lasting martial law period in the world, lasting 37 years, and have also witnessed political persecution.”
She shared that some political predecessors had been imprisoned or even sacrificed their lives in the fight for freedom, leading to the democracy Taiwan enjoys today. The National Human Rights Museum stands as a testimony to Taiwan’s arduous democratization process and milestones in the struggle for human rights. In 1996, as Taiwan was preparing for its first presidential election, the People’s Liberation Army conducted military exercises, launching missiles near Taiwan in an attempt to intimidate the budding democracy. Such intimidation has persisted since the first presidential election, escalating in scale and intensity.
She recounted her enthusiasm, like many Taiwanese students studying in the United States at the time, for Taiwan’s new democracy and their dedication to defending it. Utilizing the early stages of internet technology development, they organized mobilization efforts and disseminated information. Their efforts caught the attention of BusinessWeek, which published a report titled “Taiwanese Use Cable Internet to Counter Bullying.”
“Today, we have entered the era of wireless networks, yet Taiwan remains at the forefront of the intersection between democracy and technology. We understand the immense potential of the internet and digital technology to promote progress, transparency, and empowerment, but we are also acutely aware of the challenges posed by technological developments. These challenges will test our resilience and determination to uphold a free and open society,” Xiao Meiqin said.
As a beacon of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan is committed to promoting digital freedom, internet accessibility, and responsible technology use. “An open online environment, a strong civil society, and transparent governance allow us to craft innovative digital policies, from participatory democracy advocacy to using technology to combat misinformation,” she emphasized.
In recent years, Taiwan’s annual President’s Cup Hackathon has encouraged innovative solutions to policy challenges. “Today, we are prepared to expand the government and society’s imagination through the development of artificial intelligence. However, the process of protecting digital rights is not without obstacles. Taiwan continues to face threats in the digital realm, attempting to undermine our democratic and free way of life,” Xiao Meiqin pointed out.
She highlighted that ongoing cyber-attacks and misinformation warfare are among Taiwan’s most pressing challenges. These actions aim to weaken Taiwan’s democratic mechanisms and destabilize society. As geopolitical tensions escalate, Taiwan remains a primary target for nation-level coordinated digital attacks, ranging from government agencies and key infrastructure being targeted to deliberate dissemination of misinformation to influence public opinion and create social divisions. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence and big data brings new ethical and security challenges.
“While these technologies offer significant economic and social development opportunities, they also raise issues such as privacy, surveillance, and algorithmic bias, especially under the aggression of revisionist and authoritarian states. Taiwan is committed to ensuring that digital development aligns with human rights and democratic values, creating an environment that prioritizes safeguarding individual freedoms and preventing abuse,” Xiao Meiqin stated.
She noted that “One of the challenges we face is not only the global digital divide, but also the AI divide. Despite breakthroughs in certain technological fields, many communities worldwide lack sufficient digital tools and protection mechanisms, making it difficult for them to fully participate in the rapidly changing information and economic environment. Therefore, we advocate for enhanced international cooperation to bridge the digital and technological gaps, ensuring that everyone can fairly enjoy the opportunities of the digital age.”
Through hosting the 2025 RightsCon Global Digital Human Rights Conference, Taiwan reaffirms its firm commitment to digital rights, cyber resilience, and freedom of speech, believing that open dialogue, international cooperation, and knowledge sharing are key to addressing current digital challenges.
She hopes that all attendees will actively engage in in-depth discussions, exchange valuable insights, collaborate to find innovative solutions, and collectively strengthen human rights protections in the digital sphere. She expressed the wish that through this conference, participants can not only interact with each other but also immerse themselves in exploring Taiwan, deeply experiencing the land and witnessing the significant historical landmarks of Taiwan’s human rights and democratic struggles, adding inspiration and meaning to this journey.