Minister Lin touts tech governanceBy Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNATaiwan’s democratization and technological innovation have been inextricably linked since 1987, but the information technology boom has brought new challenges to urban governance, as malicious actors use it to manipulate information and create division, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said at the AI x Democracy Forum in Taipei yesterday. Lin spoke ahead of a discussion centered on the use of innovative urban governance and global collaboration to boost democracy. Local governments have transformed into innovators in democratic governance, and have shared their experiences through international networks and global cooperation, he added. Smart applications assisted in local governance during his time as Taichung mayor, although malicious manipulation of information could make it harder for the public to reach a consensus on many issues, posing new challenges for urban governance, Lin said. Han said he hoped that participants would examine the benefits, opportunities, risks and responsibilities of AI in democratic governance, respect democratic values and use AI appropriately.
