Taiwan's Control Yuan has made its stance clear: cryptocurrency donations and live-streaming tips ("donates") will be banned under the revised Political Donations Act, after 13 rounds of review by the Executive Yuan. At a press conference on July 21, Control Yuan Integrity Committee convenor Chao Yung-ching and property declaration department chief Chen Mei-yen warned candidates to comply, with violators facing administrative fines or criminal referral.
13 Rounds, Clear Direction
Chen noted that the Executive Yuan has held 13 review sessions on the draft amendment, and the consensus is to prohibit both crypto tips and livestream donations. Once enacted, accepting bitcoin or ether as campaign contributions, or receiving viewer tips on streaming platforms, could be illegal.
Ko Wen-je Donation Controversy Ignites Debate
In February, Taiwan People's Party chair Ko Wen-je received nearly NT$300,000 in livestream tips within two days of leaving parliament, sparking public outcry. Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang said such tips are hard to audit and fall outside legal donation channels, signaling high legal risk. The Control Yuan's latest remarks reinforce that position.
Chao also highlighted common violations: setting up accounts without approval, exceeding donation limits, receiving funds from China/Hong Kong/foreign entities, accepting donations from loss-making companies, or donating under false names. Both donors and recipients must be careful.