LINE Partners with MODA to Launch New Alert Feature Against Celebrity Impersonation Scams
To combat the proliferation of scams impersonating celebrities and public figures, messaging app LINE, in collaboration with Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA), began rolling out a new "Impersonated Public Figure Alert" feature on May 20. Available for LINE mobile version 26.7 and above, the function uses a "Public Figure Protection List" provided by MODA. When a user interacts with a suspicious account whose name is highly similar to someone on the list, the system will trigger a warning pop-up to alert the user.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 13:56
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 14:01 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 14:37 (35 min after Collected)
(CNA reporter Wu Chia-hao, Taipei, 20th) In recent years, scams involving the impersonation of celebrities or public figures through methods like adding LINE friends have become rampant. To create a secure communication environment, the messaging app LINE has partnered with the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) on anti-fraud measures, launching a brand-new "Impersonated Public Figure Alert" feature in batches starting today. The feature is available for LINE mobile versions 26.7 and higher.
According to a press release from LINE, this feature utilizes a "Public Figure Protection List" provided by MODA, with LINE alerting users through its system. When a user is about to add or chat with a stranger's account, if the account's display name is highly similar to a public figure on the protection list, the system will display a warning pop-up to remind the user to be vigilant.
The "Impersonated Public Figure Alert" can be triggered in two scenarios: one is when a user adds an unknown account as a friend through their profile page, and the other is when an unknown account sends a chat message or is added to a group.
If users find an account suspicious, they can choose the "Block and Report" function to report it. If a user selects "I understand," to prevent accidental dismissal and enhance protection, a second alert, "Do you really know this person?", will appear. This multi-layered reminder mechanism helps users identify suspicious accounts. (Editor: Yang Lan-hsuan)
According to a press release from LINE, this feature utilizes a "Public Figure Protection List" provided by MODA, with LINE alerting users through its system. When a user is about to add or chat with a stranger's account, if the account's display name is highly similar to a public figure on the protection list, the system will display a warning pop-up to remind the user to be vigilant.
The "Impersonated Public Figure Alert" can be triggered in two scenarios: one is when a user adds an unknown account as a friend through their profile page, and the other is when an unknown account sends a chat message or is added to a group.
If users find an account suspicious, they can choose the "Block and Report" function to report it. If a user selects "I understand," to prevent accidental dismissal and enhance protection, a second alert, "Do you really know this person?", will appear. This multi-layered reminder mechanism helps users identify suspicious accounts. (Editor: Yang Lan-hsuan)