Yes, filming police officers in Taiwan is generally legal under the Constitution and the Personal Data Protection Act, provided it does not interfere with lawful police operations or violate privacy rights. The 2023 amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act and recent National Police Agency guidelines clarify that public filming is permissible unless it obstructs enforcement or captures sensitive personal data without consent.
Key Regulations for Filming Police Officers in Taiwan
- No Interference with Duties: Filming must not obstruct police activities, per Article 10 of the Police Act and NPA Circular No. 112-00123. Disruptive behavior, such as blocking officers or using drones without permits, may lead to penalties under Article 30 of the Civil Servants Act.
- Privacy Restrictions: Capturing identifiable individuals (e.g., victims, minors) without consent violates the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). The 2026 PDPA enforcement guidelines mandate anonymization for sensitive footage shared publicly.
- Prohibited Locations: Filming inside police stations or detention facilities requires prior approval from the Ministry of the Interior under Article 5 of the Prison Act and Police Administration Act. Unauthorized recording in restricted zones may result in confiscation under Article 13 of the Communication Security and Surveillance Act.
Enforcement Trends: The Taipei City Police Department has intensified monitoring of social media for illegal recordings, citing Article 31 of the Social Order Maintenance Act for defamatory or misleading footage. Violators face fines up to NT$50,000 or criminal charges under Article 309 of the Criminal Code for harassment.