Ministry of Interior: Discussing Real-Name System for Pinhole Cameras with E-commerce, Special Specs to be Regulated

(CNA, Taipei, May 18, Reporter: Kao Hua-chien) Several cosmetic surgery clinics have recently been embroiled in scandals involving hidden pinhole cameras and illicit filming. The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) stated today that since pinhole cameras have diverse applications, planning for a real-name registration system must be handled very carefully. The real-name system is currently being discussed with e-commerce platforms, and for special specifications, such as cameras disguised as smoke detectors, the MOI will discuss how to regulate them with the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Internal Administration Committee of the Legislative Yuan reviewed the MOI's 2026 central government budget proposal today, with Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang and Political Deputy Minister Ma Shih-yuan in attendance. KMT legislators Chang Chih-lun and Wang Hung-wei asked if a real-name system for pinhole cameras is being considered and whether a dedicated law would be established. Ma Shih-yuan said that pinhole cameras are a type of tool with a wide range of uses, including dashcams, body cameras, evidence collection for domestic violence victims, and monitoring the elderly at home. Illicit filming is an improper use, so planning a real-name system must be done very carefully. Ma stated that the real-name system is currently under discussion with e-commerce platforms. For special specification pinhole cameras, such as those disguised as smoke detectors or equipment used in construction, the MOI will discuss with the Ministry of Economic Affairs how to regulate them. Liu Shih-fang stated that the uses of pinhole cameras are diverse. If a real-name system is to be adopted to temporarily solve the problem of illicit filming in cosmetic clinics, it requires extensive discussion and cannot be limited to a single ministry. Therefore, Premier Cho Jung-tai recently invited the National Communications Commission (NCC), local governments, and others for a discussion. The MOI will continue to consult with relevant agencies as instructed by Premier Cho, hoping to reduce instances of pinhole camera filming. DPP legislator Huang Jie also expressed concern about the progress of joint police inspections. Liu said that the National Police Agency has ordered police bureaus nationwide to conduct joint inspections. The police are responsible for cracking down on illegal activities, but the competent authorities for related venues are spread across different ministries, such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare for medical and cosmetic clinics, and the Sports Administration for gyms and sports centers. These are all targets for joint inspections, and she believes police in various localities are already taking action. Additionally, regarding the death of an employee at an escape room in Taipei who died from asphyxiation while playing a hanging ghost, Liu was asked if she supports regulating escape rooms under a specific law. Liu stated that this tragedy occurred in Taipei, and both central and local governments must work together. It is also necessary to first understand which agencies are the competent authorities, whether there were issues with labor safety, and if it was related to the building's public safety. She will ask the National Land Management Agency and the National Fire Agency to review with local governments what situations require legislative amendments regarding fire and building safety. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150518