Legislators urge development of map app; NDC: Coordinate with MODA for integration
Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC) expressed confidence in developing a map application superior to China's Gaode Map, which is banned for government use due to national security concerns. This commitment comes amidst a legislative interpelation questioning the government's plan to provide a secure and user-friendly alternative for the public, especially considering the NT$190 billion budget for AI development.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 17:35
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 18:02 (26 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 21:23 (3h 21m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Lin Jing-yin, Taipei, April 24) The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has identified China's "Gaode Map" app as a product that endangers national information security, and its use is prohibited for government agencies. During a legislative interpelation, a legislator asked whether the government is confident in developing a map app that is more user-friendly than Gaode Map for public use. National Development Council (NDC) Minister Kung Ming-hsin today stated that he is confident, and the NDC will coordinate with the MODA.
Premier Cho Jung-tai today led the heads of the Executive Yuan's ministries and agencies to the Legislative Yuan to present policy reports and answer interpelations.
Kuomintang Legislator Liao Wei-hsiang questioned the government's ban on Gaode Map, stating that he respects the Executive Yuan's position based on mapping data and national security considerations. However, from the public's perspective, the government's appeal to the public not to use it is ineffective. He asked whether the government, which has allocated a four-year budget of NT$190 billion for the "AI New Top 10 Constructions," would integrate an app that is more user-friendly than Gaode Map for public use.
Cho Jung-tai stated that he currently uses Google Maps. He cannot immediately say that they will definitely create a similar app, but there are other map apps available that can be used safely.
Liao Wei-hsiang further stated that the "AI New Top 10 Constructions" include smart transportation, emergency vehicle rescue, smart scenic areas, and precise weather forecasting. He questioned why such an app could not be developed from within these initiatives.
Kung Ming-hsin said that the part mentioned by the legislator falls under the peak development of the AI software industry, and the MODA will fully develop many app software.
Liao Wei-hsiang then asked if they were confident in making it better than Gaode Map. Kung Ming-hsin replied that he is confident and will coordinate with the MODA.
In addition, Liao Wei-hsiang also mentioned that the conflict in the Middle East has a widespread impact on people's livelihoods and prices. The Executive Yuan previously mentioned a funding gap of approximately NT$129.2 billion. He asked if there was a timetable for evaluating and inventorying this.
Cho Jung-tai said that the initial estimates reported by various ministries and agencies still require horizontal coordination between them, as some can support each other. Regarding the timing, he believes the best time is after the evaluation is completed, to see if it can be covered by the current public budget or by using the advance expenditure budget. If an additional budget is necessary, it would be reasonable to propose it after the Legislative Yuan's budget review is concluded. If it is proposed before the budget review is completed and the Legislative Yuan accepts it, the Executive Yuan will propose an additional budget after calculating the amount.
Liao Wei-hsiang stated that time is of the essence, and the public cannot wait. Cho Jung-tai replied, "Then please ask the Legislative Yuan to speed up the budget review." (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150424
(Central News Agency reporter Lin Jing-yin, Taipei, April 24) The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has identified China's "Gaode Map" app as a product that endangers national information security, and its use is prohibited for government agencies. During a legislative interpelation, a legislator asked whether the government is confident in developing a map app that is more user-friendly than Gaode Map for public use. National Development Council (NDC) Minister Kung Ming-hsin today stated that he is confident, and the NDC will coordinate with the MODA.
Premier Cho Jung-tai today led the heads of the Executive Yuan's ministries and agencies to the Legislative Yuan to present policy reports and answer interpelations.
Kuomintang Legislator Liao Wei-hsiang questioned the government's ban on Gaode Map, stating that he respects the Executive Yuan's position based on mapping data and national security considerations. However, from the public's perspective, the government's appeal to the public not to use it is ineffective. He asked whether the government, which has allocated a four-year budget of NT$190 billion for the "AI New Top 10 Constructions," would integrate an app that is more user-friendly than Gaode Map for public use.
Cho Jung-tai stated that he currently uses Google Maps. He cannot immediately say that they will definitely create a similar app, but there are other map apps available that can be used safely.
Liao Wei-hsiang further stated that the "AI New Top 10 Constructions" include smart transportation, emergency vehicle rescue, smart scenic areas, and precise weather forecasting. He questioned why such an app could not be developed from within these initiatives.
Kung Ming-hsin said that the part mentioned by the legislator falls under the peak development of the AI software industry, and the MODA will fully develop many app software.
Liao Wei-hsiang then asked if they were confident in making it better than Gaode Map. Kung Ming-hsin replied that he is confident and will coordinate with the MODA.
In addition, Liao Wei-hsiang also mentioned that the conflict in the Middle East has a widespread impact on people's livelihoods and prices. The Executive Yuan previously mentioned a funding gap of approximately NT$129.2 billion. He asked if there was a timetable for evaluating and inventorying this.
Cho Jung-tai said that the initial estimates reported by various ministries and agencies still require horizontal coordination between them, as some can support each other. Regarding the timing, he believes the best time is after the evaluation is completed, to see if it can be covered by the current public budget or by using the advance expenditure budget. If an additional budget is necessary, it would be reasonable to propose it after the Legislative Yuan's budget review is concluded. If it is proposed before the budget review is completed and the Legislative Yuan accepts it, the Executive Yuan will propose an additional budget after calculating the amount.
Liao Wei-hsiang stated that time is of the essence, and the public cannot wait. Cho Jung-tai replied, "Then please ask the Legislative Yuan to speed up the budget review." (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150424