Digital security measures expand in Taiwan and Hong Kong to combat AI and phishing fraud

In response to rising digital fraud, multiple organizations in Taiwan and Hong Kong are implementing new security measures. In Taiwan, TrendLife has partnered with 7-ELEVEN and Yahoo Shopping to launch the ‘2026 Neighborhood Anti-Fraud Protection Season’. This initiative aims to combat AI-enhanced scams, such as impersonation of logistics providers and e-commerce customer service, by providing consumers with AI-driven fraud detection tools through 7-ELEVEN retail locations.

In Hong Kong, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has mandated that internet brokers and virtual asset platforms phase out One-Time Passwords (OTP) in favor of more secure Passkeys. Major brokerage firms, including Interactive Brokers and Futu, are responding to this directive. Interactive Brokers has set a deadline of August 31, 2026, after which accounts that have not activated Passkeys will face restrictions on opening new positions. Passkeys offer enhanced security by utilizing local device biometrics, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, which prevents the interception risks associated with traditional SMS-based codes.