LINE Partners with MODA to Launch New Alert Feature Against Celebrity Impersonation Scams

(CNA reporter Wu Chia-hao, Taipei, 20th) In recent years, scams involving the impersonation of celebrities or public figures through methods like adding LINE friends have become rampant. To create a secure communication environment, the messaging app LINE has partnered with the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) on anti-fraud measures, launching a brand-new "Impersonated Public Figure Alert" feature in batches starting today. The feature is available for LINE mobile versions 26.7 and higher. According to a press release from LINE, this feature utilizes a "Public Figure Protection List" provided by MODA, with LINE alerting users through its system. When a user is about to add or chat with a stranger's account, if the account's display name is highly similar to a public figure on the protection list, the system will display a warning pop-up to remind the user to be vigilant. The "Impersonated Public Figure Alert" can be triggered in two scenarios: one is when a user adds an unknown account as a friend through their profile page, and the other is when an unknown account sends a chat message or is added to a group. If users find an account suspicious, they can choose the "Block and Report" function to report it. If a user selects "I understand," to prevent accidental dismissal and enhance protection, a second alert, "Do you really know this person?", will appear. This multi-layered reminder mechanism helps users identify suspicious accounts. (Editor: Yang Lan-hsuan)