MODA Tightens Oversight on E-commerce Platforms to Combat Drug-Impaired Driving

(CNA, Taipei, June 1) In response to the recent surge in drug-impaired driving incidents, the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) announced today that it will regularly compile keywords provided by relevant authorities regarding prohibited items, such as drugs, and require e-commerce platforms to proactively screen and promptly remove such listings. Simultaneously, MODA has established a cross-ministerial joint defense platform to serve as a rapid removal channel, while introducing AI digital tools and project-based inspection mechanisms to assist various agencies in auditing high-risk contraband.

Recently, frequent reports of individuals driving under the influence of the Schedule 2 controlled substance etomidate, commonly known as "zombie vape cartridges," have sparked public concern. DPP legislators Chen Pei-yu, Wu Si-yao, and Fan Yun held a press conference at the Legislative Yuan this morning, titled "Refuse Zombies on the Road! Cross-ministerial Strike to End Drug-Impaired Driving Chaos," proposing four key approaches: "rapid apprehension and accurate testing," "legal reform and strict penalties," "cutting off financial flows and blocking domains," and "in-depth research and enhanced protection," hoping to curb the chaos of drug-impaired driving.

MODA's Administration for Digital Industries issued a press release explaining that drugs like etomidate are "prohibited for sale" items, as explicitly stated by law, and their manufacture, import, or sale is illegal. To prevent such contraband from being listed, MODA regularly compiles keywords of illegal goods provided by competent authorities and strongly requires e-commerce platforms to proactively screen before listing and strengthen patrols after listing. MODA continues to urge platform operators to fulfill their responsibilities; if goods violating regulations are discovered, operators have an obligation to screen and remove them to maintain a healthy online shopping environment.

MODA stated that it has incorporated a processing mechanism for the preventive removal of emerging drugs and illegal e-cigarette websites into the DNS RPZ (Response Policy Zone) reference procedures. Starting July 7, 2026, for a period of two years, competent authorities issuing penalties under the "Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act" and the "Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act" may utilize the DNS RPZ self-regulatory mechanism, in accordance with Article 36 of the Administrative Execution Act, to block domestic users from browsing illegal websites.

MODA emphasized that in the face of the constantly evolving sales tactics of emerging drugs through online platforms, it will continue to cooperate across ministries, refine management measures such as AI technology applications and joint defense mechanisms, strengthen management from the source, and block the circulation and sale of drugs on the internet. It will also join forces with e-commerce platform operators, industry associations, and various ministries to safeguard the personal safety and health of the public.