Kaohsiung:A Chinese influencer known for promoting surrogacy services for same-sex couples has been deported and fined NT$200,000 (US$6,100) by the Kaohsiung City government.

According to Focus Taiwan, the influencer, identified as "Berlinsun" on social media, was penalized after posting videos that advertised fan meetups in Taiwan and offered information on assisted reproduction services. The city's health bureau stated that these activities violated Taiwan's Medical Care Act, which restricts medical service advertisements to licensed medical institutions.

The health bureau noted that the man's significant social media influence led to an increased fine, as his actions breached regulations that aim to ensure only qualified entities promote medical services. Taiwan's Assisted Reproduction Act also outlines strict requirements for medical providers and recipients, underscoring that commercial surrogacy is currently not permitted in the country.

The National Immigration Agency ordered the influencer's deportation after he was apprehended in Kaohsiung. It was determined that he entered Taiwan on a tourist visa but engaged in activities that contradicted the visa's purpose, violating rules governing visitors from mainland China. The influencer, who has over a million followers on Instagram and Douyin, reportedly resides in Malaysia with his partner, sharing their journey of having children through egg donation and surrogacy on social media.