The world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age RightsCon will be held in Taiwan from February 24 to 27 next year. Today, the Ministry of Digital Affairs (the MODA), witnessed by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun of Executive Yuan, signed a Letter of Intent with the conference organizer Access Now. It is expected that 3,000 professionals from industry, government, and academia from 150 countries will come to Taiwan to discuss issues such as artificial intelligence and digital governance.

Vice Premier Cheng expects the MODA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Science and Technology Council, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other ministries to seize this opportunity to share Taiwan’s achievements in the National Project of Hope, including expanding citizen digital participation, promoting trusted data circulation mechanisms, AI and data governance, and advancing digital democracy alliances, demonstrating Taiwan’s digital strength on the global stage.

Deputy Minister Yi-Jing Lin of the MODA explained that since its establishment, the MODA has actively implemented measures to enhance Taiwan’s digital resilience through public-private cooperation in cybersecurity governance and the construction of a low-earth orbit satellite environment. In alignment with President Lai Ching-te’s vision for a New Digital Society, the MODA is leveraging AI technology to combat disinformation, enhance social digital trust, protect digital citizenship rights, and create a model of digital democracy through public-private partnerships. The decision to host RightsCon in Taiwan next year is a clear acknowledgment of Taiwan’s efforts. The MODA will also collaborate with Access Now to highlight Taiwan’s digital achievements to the public and the world, solidifying Taiwan’s role as an indispensable global partner in democracy.

Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Pacific Policy Director of Access Now, emphasized that Taiwan ranks 6th globally in internet freedom and has made a strong commitment to developing and strengthening digital democracy, positioning itself at the forefront of discussions around the importance of protecting human rights and the interests of vulnerable individuals and communities in technology governance.

Isedua Oribhabor, Business and Human Rights Manager of Access Now, stated that as global digital transformation accelerates, the role of businesses in impacting our human rights is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, leading up to the conference next year, Access Now plans to engage not only with the government but also with local enterprises to exchange views and insights on issues such as protecting personal data across borders,,  security, corporate social responsibility, responsible investment, and privacy by design.

The announcement that RightsCon will be held in Taiwan has garnered significant attention from international experts and scholars in digital governance, human rights, and democracy. The conference will feature 500 sessions covering 18 digital fields, with an expected attendance of 7,000 online participants and 3,000 in-person attendees in Taiwan.