According to the Central News Agency, the Chinese mapping application “Amap” has been deemed a potential cybersecurity risk and has been banned by Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs for use within government agencies. Lawmakers questioned whether the government has confidence in developing a better app for public use. The National Development Council said it is confident and will coordinate with the Ministry of Digital Affairs.
The Chinese map app “Amap” has recently introduced features in Taiwan such as “traffic light countdown timers” and “lane-level navigation.” Its highly accurate traffic light countdown function, while very useful, has also raised cybersecurity concerns.
According to Central News Agency reports, Amap includes 3D street views and traffic light countdown features. Interior Minister Liu Shifang said that all apps with potential cybersecurity concerns, including Amap, will undergo risk assessments. If they are found to pose a significant national security risk, they will be banned, and government agencies should not use them.
Government spokesperson Li Hui-zhi said in a post-cabinet press briefing on the 23rd that Taiwan issued principles in 2019 restricting the use of products that pose national cybersecurity risks. Any software with security concerns is prohibited in government agencies. The government will conduct cybersecurity testing and risk assessments on Amap and recommends that the public avoid downloading Chinese apps with potential security risks.
User data may be transmitted to Chinese servers
Cybersecurity chief Tsai Fu-long from the Ministry of Digital Affairs stated that the Information Security Office will evaluate Amap’s security, with a press conference expected in mid-May to warn the public about potential risks.
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Tsai noted that Chinese law requires companies to provide data to the government, and users in China are also obligated to comply. Since Amap uses location data and movement tracking, this information may be transmitted back to servers in China and could be accessed by Chinese authorities. He urged the public to avoid using the app.
According to Liberty Times reports, during the 10th anniversary of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2023, Amap promoted a campaign titled “A World Map of Chinese People,” emphasizing alignment with national strategy. At the time, Amap Group President (now Chairman) Liu Zhenfei officially announced the launch of its “world map” product, expanding coverage to more than 200 countries and regions. The service also integrates China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system, giving it a strong connection to official policy direction.
Government plans to develop a new app
On April 24, Kuomintang lawmaker Liao Wei-xiang questioned in parliament whether the government could develop a more user-friendly alternative app, given the ban on Amap for national security reasons. He noted that the government has allocated NT$190 billion over four years for AI development and asked whether it could produce a better mapping application for public use.
Premier Cho Jung-tai said he currently uses Google Maps and could not immediately promise the development of a similar app, but noted that other secure mapping apps are available.
National Development Council head Yeh Chun-hsien said the proposal relates to AI software industry advancement and that the Ministry of Digital Affairs will actively develop multiple applications. When asked whether there was confidence in building something better than Amap, Yeh said he is confident and will coordinate with the Ministry of Digital Affairs.
Amap, developed by Amap Software and headquartered in Beijing, was acquired by Alibaba Group in 2014 and integrated into its digital ecosystem, alongside Baidu Maps as one of China’s two major mapping services. In addition to precise navigation and real-time information, Amap has recently incorporated 3D maps and AR navigation, as well as services such as restaurant search, food delivery, and travel information, gradually transforming from a navigation tool into a broader lifestyle platform.
In global services, Amap officially launched its “world map” in September 2023, leveraging the BeiDou satellite navigation system to expand coverage to over 200 countries and regions. The platform serves not only outbound travelers but is also positioned as part of the digital infrastructure supporting the Belt and Road Initiative, marking a shift from its earlier China-focused scope.