MODA: Meta's High Market Share a Target; Urges AI Adoption to Reduce Fraud

(CNA, Taipei, May 21, by reporters Lai Yu-chen and Kao Hua-chien) The Executive Yuan's Anti-Fraud Command Center stated yesterday that social media platforms owned by Meta are the primary channel for fraud groups, demanding that the company modify its algorithms to reduce the reach of scams. The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) said today that Meta's high market share makes it susceptible to exploitation by fraud groups, and the government will move forward with Meta, introducing AI to combat AI in an effort to reduce scam exposure. The Anti-Fraud Command Center announced yesterday that according to statistics, from January 1 to April 30 this year, there were 14,073 fraud cases involving Meta's social media platforms, accounting for 84.31% of all cases. The total financial loss amounted to NT$1,361,781,574, representing 86.2% of the total loss. This shows that Meta's platforms remain the main channel for fraud groups, with agricultural product shopping scams on Threads being a major issue. Meta must immediately and proactively modify its algorithms and detection systems to block repetitive fraudulent posts at the source; otherwise, the government will, if necessary, amend laws to introduce corresponding control measures and penalties. MODA Deputy Minister Hou Yi-hsiu stated at a post-Executive Yuan press conference today that Meta has already joined the 'anti-fraud good guys team,' proactively taking down 7.8 million fraudulent posts last year and over 20,000 fraudulent accounts this year. However, anti-fraud efforts can always be more aggressive. Therefore, the government continues to communicate with Meta on various methods, hoping to reduce the public's exposure to scams through the technologies Meta possesses. Hou said that current source management solutions include strengthening verification and management of high-risk accounts, safety reminders for external links, and AI customer service. MODA will also continue to communicate with Meta regarding the algorithm adjustments pointed out by the Anti-Fraud Command Center. According to MODA data, Meta's Facebook platform was fined four times by the ministry last year, with total penalties amounting to NT$18.5 million. Lin Chun-hsiu, Director-General of MODA's Administration for Digital Industries, added at the press conference that the government acts according to the law and will issue fines where necessary. He noted that Meta's cooperation in fraud prevention is still high, but its large market share makes it a target for fraudsters. The government will work with Meta on technological and legal fronts, using AI to fight AI, to reduce the reach of scams. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung)