NIA halts use of facial recognition system over concernsBy Yang Shih-yi and Jason Pan / Staff reportersThe National Immigration Agency (NIA) has suspended the use of a face recognition system developed by domestic firm Papago Inc (研勤科技), citing reports of alleged data theft and national security breaches due to the use of China-made components. Taipei-based Papago is a major manufacturer of navigation tools, vehicle camcorders, and facial recognition systems, and is listed on the TAIEX. Photo: Taipei TimesChinese-language Mirror Media on Tuesday published a report based on insider sources’ accounts saying that the company’s facial recognition systems use China-made motherboards and software resulting in data leaks. Papago chairman Jian Liang-yih (簡良益) yesterday in a public statement said that the firm’s facial recognition system is developed domestically and it conducts an internal testing before the release of its products. The ministry added that “besides the NIA, other agencies of the ministry and the Ministry of Economic Affairs have installed the system.”

Source: Taipei Times December 31, 2025 17:16 UTC