Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-12-03

National Immigration Agency (NIA) officials are facing a probe over alleged bribery and a security breach involving a border control system which may have technology that originated in China.

Taiwan launched the e-Gate system in major airports in 2012. With a pricetag of NT$52 million (US$1.73 million), the system allows fast-track passport control for frequent visitors by using biometric verification software such as facial recognition and fingerprint identification systems.

Local media reports on Sunday said that Chinese companies might have gained access to the personal information of people traveling through the gates, which constitute a serious breach of national security. Taiwan’s regulations ban government agencies from buying information services and systems from China due to national security concerns.    [FULL  STORY]