By: L.N. Reklai
“Disinformation is not just about politics—it is about dividing society, sowing distrust, and undermining democracy,” a senior Taiwanese official said recently, stressing the urgency of global collaboration to counter such threats.
For 11 consecutive years, Taiwan has ranked as the country most targeted by disinformation, largely from Beijing’s efforts to weaken public trust and destabilize its democracy. In response, Taipei has built a robust strategy that combines law, education, technology, and international partnerships—an approach that small democracies like Palau could adapt.
One pillar of Taiwan’s defense is its legal framework. Authorities have strengthened regulations on online disinformation, giving regulators more tools to detect, penalize, and curb the spread of false information. Crucially, these rules also apply to local collaborators found aiding foreign disinformation campaigns.
But law alone is not enough. Taiwan invests heavily in news literacy, particularly for youth. Schools and community organizations run programs that teach citizens how to critically evaluate online content and verify sources. “By empowering young people to spot fake news early, we build resilience that lasts for generations,” the official said.
Taiwan also monitors and exposes abnormal social media activity, such as newly created accounts that suddenly flood political discussions with divisive content. Publicly disclosing these accounts not only alerts citizens but also pressures platforms to act more responsibly.
Transparency has proven another effective tool. When false claims spread during military drills—that Taiwan was facing blockades or energy shortages—the government countered by releasing real-time public data showing that ports remained open and electricity supplies were stable. This immediate, evidence-based communication undermined the credibility of disinformation campaigns.
Collaboration is at the heart of Taiwan’s strategy. The government works closely with local NGOs to pool resources and expertise. At the international level, Taipei actively partners with other democracies to share experiences and best practices. Officials stress that the tactics used against Taiwan today could be replicated elsewhere tomorrow—including in the Pacific.
For Palau, which faces increasing external influence, Taiwan’s approach offers concrete lessons. Strengthening media literacy in schools, improving government transparency, and investing in cross-border media cooperation could help insulate Palauan society from similar threats.
Taiwan’s Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Francois Chihchung WU also urged democratic allies to recognize how disinformation undermines peace and stability. He emphasized that countries like Palau can play a role by joining international media collaborations, sharing reports of gray-zone activities, and amplifying truthful narratives in the region.
“Disinformation respects no borders,” the Deputy Director WU said. “The stronger our cooperation, the weaker the impact of these campaigns.”
As Taiwan continues to navigate daily attempts to manipulate its information space, its success in blending regulation, education, transparency, and global solidarity stands as a model. For Pacific democracies such as Palau, adopting even parts of this playbook could be vital in safeguarding free expression while defending against manipulation from abroad.
