Скачать или смотреть Government regulations punish Uber and Airbnb also hurting new start-ups

A number of start-ups in the technology sector came together to discuss the future of their industry and appeal for looser regulation, amid the government''s ongoing crackdown on tech companies such as Uber and Airbnb. Taiwan''s laws subject those companies to fines and suspension of operations, and some argue that Taiwan needs to revise its laws to accomodate more innovative business models. Now a lot of people, when they go out, they use a smart phone app to hail a nearby Uber vehicle. Unfortunately, Uber’s operations in Taiwan are currently illegal as it is seeking another mode of operation.Gu LikaiUber Taiwan General ManagerFor some remote areas which aren’t covered by public transport or other existing transport industries, we believe that this model utilizing the sharing economy is the best model to promote including the use of private drivers. We are studying which area and which location is more suitable for this.Uber in Taiwan has been fined more than NT$100mn. Even a similar local app, Find Taxi, is also experiencing pressure from the government.Chou Li-weiFind Taxi spokesmanWe are more like an online store, allowing passengers to find their own driver and contact them. It’s totally the same as hailing a taxi on the side of the road. Our information relative to Uber is more open and transparent, allowing passengers to make the right choice.Jason HsuKMT LegislatorThe government is issuing heavy penalties for Uber and Airbnb with penalties acting like a knife which cuts both ways and leads both sides bleeding. This isn’t just a heavy penalty for large international companies but it also makes it impossible for Taiwan''s own new industries to survive. Now they dare not to make a profit as the government will grasp everyone with this profit model.KMT Legislator Jason Hsu believes that existing laws and regulations lead the government to impose heavy penalties on new industries resulting in losses for everyone involved.