Taiwan Prosecutors Probe Alleged Misuse of Personal Data in Recall Petition Verification

Hualien County officials face questioning as investigation into identity verification irregularities intensifies.

In a developing story from Taiwan, prosecutors in Hualien County have launched an investigation into allegations of improper identity verification related to a recall petition. The probe has already seen searches of government offices and the questioning of eleven individuals, casting a spotlight on the procedures surrounding petition validation.

The investigation was triggered by reports that Hualien County officials may have inappropriately sent representatives to homes to confirm the identities of individuals listed on the recall petition. This controversy began last month when a resident reported being questioned by an individual claiming to be from the Hualien City Household Registration Office.

The Hualien District Prosecutors’ Office confirmed that the investigation commenced following evidence received last month. The office ordered the Investigation Bureau’s Hualien authorities to examine relevant documents from the Hualien County Election Commission and question personnel.

Prosecutors reportedly believe that Hualien County Civil Affairs Department Director Ming Liang-chen (明良臻) and other officials were aware that verifying recall petitioners’ identities is the responsibility of local election commissions. However, the commission did not authorize the Hualien City Household Registration Office to conduct this verification.

It is alleged that Ming and the other individuals misused personal data from the register of recall petitioners, while the household registration office was verifying petitioners’ household information as directed by the commission. They are suspected of violating articles of the Personal Data Protection Act (個人資料保護法).

The Hualien County Civil Affairs Department and the household registration office were searched to gather evidence. Prosecutors have emphasized that the investigation will continue in an impartial manner.

The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) released a statement criticizing the governing party, suggesting that judicial power is being used to obstruct the verification of signatures by local election commissions, as mandated by law. The KMT referenced Article 79 of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act (公職人員選舉罷免法), which outlines the responsibilities of local election commissions in verifying recall petitions.

The KMT further expressed concerns that the investigation could be an attempt to interfere with the second stage of recall petitions. They warn that such actions would undermine the executive branch's authority and the nation's legal system, urging the government to uphold the law and protect civil rights.