Former KMT staffer's AI deepfake sparks accusations of selective law enforcement

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party has voiced strong criticism regarding the police investigation into a former party staffer accused of using AI to create a deepfake video featuring President Lai Ching-te's voice. The KMT alleges that authorities are engaging in selective enforcement and attempting to silence citizens.

During a press conference, KMT legislators questioned the specific legal grounds for the police's actions. They demanded clarification on the laws allegedly violated, the legal standing of the police's notification to the individual, and the reasons for approaching family members when the individual was not present. The party also sought to understand who ordered the investigation and whether political figures had intervened.

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Taiwan is not a police state... but only we see public power selectively enforcing the law, attempting to create a chilling effect and silence the people.

KMT legislative caucus secretary-general Lin Pei-hsiang stressed that while AI used for fraud or spreading false information should be investigated, political satire and malicious deepfakes should not be conflated. He argued that the government must present clear legal statutes, formal procedures, and objective facts if it deems a video illegal, rather than resorting to police visits and then searching for applicable laws. Lin warned that such actions could create a climate of fear, making citizens worry about police knocking on their doors for sharing satirical content.

KMT chief deputy secretary-general Hsu Yu-chen echoed these concerns, stating that the public's fear stems from perceived double standards in the exercise of public power. She questioned why a video critical of the government's handling of a "toxic oil" issue received such expedited police attention, while thousands of other AI-generated or satirical videos online are seemingly ignored. The KMT fears this selective approach is creating a "chilling effect" and transforming Taiwan into a "police state."

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If there is no legal basis, I publicly suggest President Lai should simply issue a 'Lai Code,' because current laws do not allow the DPP government to act this way, but the Lai Code in President Lai's heart is: whoever makes the president unhappy, send people to check their water meter.