AI Mimics President's Voice, Sparking Controversy; Lawmaker Warns of Election Interference

A recent online video circulating in Taiwan, reportedly using artificial intelligence to synthesize the voice of President Lai Ching-te, has ignited controversy and raised concerns about its potential impact on upcoming elections. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chen Pei-yu issued a stark warning, highlighting the threat posed by the proliferation of low-cost AI-generated fake videos, photos, and audio recordings.

Chen explained that when these AI-generated materials are combined with foreign disinformation campaigns and spread continuously on social media platforms, it becomes increasingly difficult for the public to discern truth from falsehood. This, she cautioned, could lead to public apathy and a reduction in voter turnout in the upcoming local elections.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed it is investigating the video after receiving a complaint that it might have used AI to synthesize President Lai's voice, potentially misleading the public into believing it was the president's actual statement. The investigation is being conducted in accordance with the law.

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If a large number of low-cost AI fake videos, photos, and recordings are combined with foreign disinformation industries and spread around the clock on social media platforms, it may make it difficult for the public to distinguish between true and false, causing voter apathy and reducing voting intention.

Legislator Chen Pei-yu stated on Facebook that all content creators using AI or digital technology must understand their legal responsibilities. She noted that intentionally creating content with highly similar voices or images using AI technology, without the consent or authorization of the individual, could lead to legal issues such as forgery. Chen emphasized that forgery is a non-prosecutable offense, meaning law enforcement can investigate upon receiving a complaint and gathering evidence, without requiring the affected party to file a formal lawsuit.

Chen further clarified that the legal protections apply not only to public figures like the president but to all citizens. The aim is to safeguard personal reputation and public trust in information, preventing anyone from being held responsible for statements they never made. She criticized the opposition's framing of the police inquiry as "checking the water meter" (a term associated with political suppression), arguing that such rhetoric distracts from the core issues of AI impersonation and legal accountability, and instead attempts to create a political narrative of the DPP suppressing free speech.

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Forgery is a non-prosecutable offense, and the police can investigate according to the law after receiving a complaint and mastering relevant evidence. This cannot be unilaterally interpreted as suppressing freedom of speech.