Notes on Digital Tools and COVID in Taiwan

Introduction

• Discussion on Taiwan's successful counter of COVID-19 using digital democracy tools.
• Emphasis on the importance of participation in democracy and the role of digital technology.
• Focus on three key ideas: Fast, Fair, and Fun.

Fast Response

• Taiwan began countering COVID-19 in January 2020, before many other jurisdictions.
• The government acted swiftly after Dr. Li Wenliang's whistleblowing, initiating health inspections for passengers from Wuhan.
• Open civil society allowed for a quick government response based on citizen input.
• Daily press conferences by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) with live streaming and Q&A sessions built public trust.
• Example: Response to a young boy's concern about mask color led to widespread adoption of pink masks to address gender sensitivity.

Fair Distribution

• Masks distributed through national health insurance with transparency on availability.
• Pharmacists provided with a digital tool to track mask inventory updated every 30 seconds.
• Ensured equitable access to masks, including for those with disabilities.
• Innovative solutions such as 24-hour convenience store access for masks.
• Analysis revealed barriers for certain demographics, prompting outreach to non-traditional distribution points.

Fun Engagement

• Taiwan’s strategy against misinformation included humor over rumor.
• Example: Premier’s humorous communication about tissue paper and masks reduced panic buying.
• Daily press conferences translated into engaging formats (e.g., spokes dog translating health advice for children).
• Humor helped to inoculate the public against conspiracy theories by spreading factual information quickly.

Collective Intelligence

• Tools like Polis were used to gather public opinions without inciting backlash (i.e., no reply buttons).
• Encouraged nuanced discussions on key issues to find a social mandate for policies.

Humor vs. Rumor Strategy

• Quick responses to misinformation within two hours were critical.
• Engaging comedians as part of the communication strategy to make messages relatable.

Digital Tools Applications

• Use of chatbots for public inquiries during quarantine and pandemic.
• Tools designed for participatory accountability and public trust.

Building Trust

• Trust between citizens and government more important than government trust in citizens.
• Transparency in government actions led to high trust among social sector stakeholders.

Historical Context

• The Sunflower Movement in 2014 spurred a push for transparency and digital democracy tools.
• Establishment of V-Taiwan for public discussions and policy formulation.

Conclusion

• Digital democracy emphasizes shared values and collective action.
• Future vision includes using digital tools to enhance participation and address global challenges.