Audrey Tang, a prominent Taiwanese digital minister and hacker, has garnered worldwide recognition for her innovative approach to technology and governance. With a remarkable IQ of 180, 44-year-old Tang serves as Taiwan’s Minister of Digital Affairs, a position she has held for nearly ten years. Her journey from the g0V collective—a group of technologists championing transparent governance—to becoming the first transgender minister in Taiwan’s cabinet is a testament to her commitment to democratizing digital spaces.
Tang’s vision of the internet positions it as a powerful tool for citizen engagement and policymaking, despite its challenges, including misinformation and polarization. Recently, she voiced a stark criticism of artificial intelligence, describing it as “a parasite that fosters polarization.” This perspective reflects her belief that while technology can enhance democratic processes, it can also exacerbate divisions if misused or left unchecked.
In recognition of her efforts to empower citizens through technology, Tang recently received the prestigious 2025 Right Livelihood Award, often termed the “alternative Nobel.” The award acknowledges her tireless work in using digital technology to renew democracy and bridge societal divides. The ceremony will take place in Stockholm on December 2, 2025.
Throughout her tenure, Tang has made impactful strides in digital policy. She declared broadband internet a human right, established a mask availability map during the COVID-19 pandemic, and launched campaigns to combat misinformation and deepfakes. One of her significant innovations is the Robust and Open Online Safety Tools (ROOST), created for the 2025 Paris Artificial Intelligence Summit. This decentralized system aims to detect and mitigate child sexual abuse on various platforms, showcasing how Tang harnesses technology for social good.
Tang’s early political engagement began when she left school at just 15 to assist her father, a political adviser. This hands-on experience opened her eyes to technology’s potential in transforming governance. She explains how the internet amplifies genuine public sentiment, rather than merely reflecting the views of a select few. This belief fueled her efforts to rebuild citizen trust in government, elevating approval ratings from a mere 9% to a remarkable 70% by 2020.
Her influence extends beyond Taiwan. Tang actively collaborates with global leaders to develop platforms that empower citizens in various contexts. Notably, her collaboration with California’s Governor Gavin Newsom resulted in Engaged California, a platform designed to give a voice to citizens affected by natural disasters.
The essence of Tang’s philosophy lies in her assertion that “no democracy is an island.” This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of democracies worldwide in addressing common challenges. In an era where misinformation and polarization threaten social cohesion globally, Tang’s insights are particularly timely.
She often draws parallels between democracy and bubble tea, a symbol of Taiwanese culture, emphasizing that the two are inextricably linked. Tang argues that just as bubble tea combines contrasting elements, effective governance should embrace and manage societal tensions rather than extinguishing them.
Tang’s concepts challenge the prevailing narrative around technological advancement, particularly the idea of “technological singularity,” which posits that artificial superintelligence will surpass human capabilities. Instead, she advocates for “plurality,” promoting cooperation and dialogue among differing perspectives. This approach fosters solutions derived from collective disagreement, encouraging communities to harness their differences for constructive outcomes.
The ROOST initiative epitomizes this ethos of plurality. By tailoring digital safety solutions to specific community needs, Tang demonstrates that technology should empower and protect, rather than enslave its users. Her method involves understanding local contexts and collaboratively producing effective responses, reflecting her commitment to user-centered technology.
As Tang looks ahead, her goals align with fostering a healthier digital ecosystem. She aspires to create spaces where technology serves humanity rather than dominating it, emphasizing the need for responsible governance in the age of AI. By approaching technology as a tool for empowerment, her work seeks to heal societal divides and restore public trust in governmental processes.
In conclusion, Audrey Tang stands as a beacon of hope in the intersection of technology and governance. Her innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to democracy illustrate how digital tools can enhance civic engagement and foster a more inclusive society. Through her initiatives, she not only addresses the immediate challenges of misinformation and polarization but also lays the groundwork for a future where technology and democracy coexist harmoniously, enriching the lives of citizens globally. Tang’s profound insights and proactive measures serve as an inspiration for leaders and citizens alike, illustrating the transformative potential of technology when wielded with care and intent.
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