MODA's Million-Dollar Anti-Scam App Launched to Severe Backlash: Terrible UX and Poor Efficiency Heavily Criticized

On September 30, 2024, the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) launched the public beta of its "Scam Reporting and Query Network" App, a project championed by Minister Huang Yen-nun that cost NT$13 million to develop. However, the app faced immediate public backlash and severe negative reviews on its first day, with ratings plummeting to as low as 2.8 stars on app stores. Users and legislators criticized the app for its terrible user interface, numerous bugs, and the shocking display of explicit pornographic website screenshots on report pages. Furthermore, opposition lawmakers slammed the app for heavily duplicating the functions of the Police Agency's "165 Anti-Fraud Network" while lacking direct reporting capabilities. Facing overwhelming criticism for wasting public funds and "tech showboating," MODA was forced to temporarily take the app offline for adjustments shortly afterward.