Amid Pinhole Camera Incidents, Chang Tun-han Vows Stronger Probes, Considers Harsher Penalties

Following recent scandals involving hidden pinhole cameras at several cosmetic surgery clinics, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Tun-han said today that he has already requested intensified investigations into the individual cases. Fortunately, the relevant surveillance equipment has been seized, and there are currently no signs of leaks. District prosecutors' offices have also strengthened inspections at over 400 locations and will deliberate on whether to increase criminal penalties.

The Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee today invited Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Tun-han and others to a session to review the Executive Yuan's portion of the central government's general budget for the fiscal year 115.

During questioning, DPP Legislator Chang Hung-lu asked about the status of the preparatory office for the Personal Data Protection Commission, which the Executive Yuan plans to establish. Chang Tun-han replied that the preparatory office is operating smoothly. He noted that according to a Constitutional Court ruling, the commission should have been formally established last August. He expressed regret that after the Legislative Yuan conducted a preliminary review of the relevant organization acts last May and held one cross-party negotiation in June, there has been no further progress. He expressed hope that all parties in the legislature could support the swift establishment of the commission.

Chang Hung-lu stated that if the commission had been established sooner, it would have provided a significant layer of protection in light of the recent pinhole camera incidents at cosmetic clinics. Chang Tun-han said that for the cosmetic clinic incidents and other situations involving bodily privacy, although the Personal Data Protection Act currently offers protection, its enforcement depends on subsidiary laws that can only be announced after the commission is established. Therefore, he argued, establishing the commission a day earlier means protecting citizens' privacy a day sooner.

Chang Tun-han stated that following the cosmetic clinic incidents, nine district prosecutors' offices under the Ministry of Justice simultaneously launched investigations. The police system is coordinating with the central government, and a joint central-local effort has begun to inspect over 400 locations. The education and health and welfare systems have also joined with local authorities to strengthen inspections, aiming to curb all illegal activities.

During her questioning, KMT Legislator Wang Hung-wei pointed out that pinhole cameras are ubiquitous, recently appearing in cosmetic clinics, postpartum centers, and large shopping malls. She noted that the Taipei City Government had sent a letter to the Executive Yuan last year, hoping for source-level management of pinhole cameras, such as a real-name registration system for purchases. She argued that pinhole cameras easily available online, disguised as screws or water cups, require special management.

Chang Tun-han stated that he recently held a meeting with the Ministry of Justice, the National Communications Commission (NCC), the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of Education. For the individual cases, he has demanded intensified and accelerated investigations. Fortunately, the relevant surveillance equipment has been seized, and no footage has been leaked, but the situation will be closely monitored.

Chang Tun-han said that regarding the venues, there are existing regulations for inspection and penalties. For the act of filming, he has asked the Ministry of Justice and related agencies to study whether to increase criminal penalties. For the equipment, he has asked the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the NCC to explore strengthening source-tracing mechanisms.

Chang Tun-han mentioned that he had consulted experts and learned that in practice, some women who are victims of domestic violence may need similar devices for counter-surveillance to protect their rights. He warned that a rash implementation of a real-name system or a blanket ban could be another form of harm to them. He assured that there will be enhanced plans for source management of the equipment, stating that, regardless of gender, the act of surreptitious filming is unpardonable.