The results produced hardware tech for maritime communication—priced around NT$220,000—supposed to reduce costs by 70% compared to existing solutions.3 In February 2023, GLJ joined forces with other organizations, including the Forum Silaturahmi Pelaut Indonesia (FOSPI), Stella Maris Kaohsiung, the Taiwan Association for Human Rights (TAHR), and the Serve the People Association, to launch the “Wi-Fi Now for Fishers Rights!” campaign. This initiative urges the government to mandate Wi-Fi access on distant water fishing vessels for migrant fishers. Its focus diverges from previous campaigns that highlighted issues such as “blood-stained” fishing grounds, physical abuse, illegal fishing, human trafficking, passport confiscation, and withheld wages. Instead, advocacy groups in Taiwan are increasingly directing the discussions towards a new issue, access to WiFi. Internet access is nearly ubiquitous for the general public, but Wi-Fi remains an unattainable luxury for fishers working in remote seas that could significantly reduce forced labor conditions. Many fishers report that while at sea for stretches lasting between eight and fifteen months, they cannot ascertain whether their hard-earned earnings are being sent to their families. Furthermore, upon returning to shore, they often receive devastating news, such as learning that their spouse has remarried or that an elderly parent passed away. 4 By gaining access to Wi-Fi at sea, fishers could monitor wage deposits in real time and lodge complaints against unfair treatment. This connectivity would also allow them to share their experiences with loved ones during downtime, foster morale, and empower them to exercise their right to labor solidarity. The push for Wi-Fi accessibility coincided with the debut of the legal Taiwanese thriller series “Port of Lies,” which heavily highlighted the Radio Taiwan International (May 18, 2022). “Connecting Fishers to the World: Taiwan Strait Team Project Receives AIT Research Funding.” Source: https://www.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2133291 4 Taiwan Association for Human Rights (February 20, 2023). “Offshore Fishers Cannot Wait for Wi-Fi Access at Sea.” Source: https://www.tahr.org.tw/news/3322 3 7