The Ministry of the Interior announced today that it is consulting with e-commerce platforms to enforce a real-name registration system for hidden camera equipment, following ongoing investigations into cosmetic medical clinics allegedly installing hidden cameras in consultation rooms.
Similar cameras have been discovered in clinics nationwide belonging to major chains, including Airlee and Dr. Shine, potentially violating the Medical Act (醫療法) for recording audio or video in consultation rooms without patient consent.
Joint inspections will target medical and cosmetic clinics overseen by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as well as gyms and sports centers under the Ministry of Sports, according to Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang.
The issue gained widespread attention after authorities launched an investigation into Airlee Group Co on May 2, following a social media post by a patient who noticed a recording device hidden inside what appeared to be a smoke detector while changing at Airlee’s branch in New Taipei City’s Banciao District.
Deputy Minister of the Interior Sawyer Mars told lawmakers that the issue is not about the cameras themselves but improper use. He noted that such cameras are used as dashcams, home protection tools for domestic violence survivors, and for monitoring elderly family members, requiring careful regulation.
Real-name registration would apply to specific cameras, such as those disguised as smoke detectors or construction equipment, he added.
Minister Liu emphasized that due to their multitude of uses, regulations over hidden cameras cannot be handled by one ministry alone. Cross-ministerial discussions will continue between the interior ministry and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and the National Communications Commission.
The interior ministry will further discuss with the Ministry of Economic Affairs how to regulate the sale of such devices, while the National Police Agency has ordered joint inspections by police departments nationwide, Liu said.
Premier Cho Jung-tai on Thursday last week ordered agencies to evaluate the feasibility of instating a real-name registration system for hidden cameras.
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 18, 2026