Mayors clash over AI deepfakes, one sues the other

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has filed lawsuits against Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che and legislator Wang Ding-yu for using AI-generated deepfake videos. Huang Wei-che responded by presenting his press release from a previous press conference, stating his intention was to educate the public against creating deepfakes.

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If this is not illegal, what is illegal? Huang Wei-che slams the rationalization of AI deepfakes.

Huang emphasized that his use of a deepfake video, created by a netizen, was to demonstrate that such actions are illegal and to discourage others from doing them. He contrasted this with Chiang's position, which he characterized as asserting that his actions were legal, constitutional, and protected by free speech. Huang asserted that while both used deepfake AI, their underlying stances were different.

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Both are deepfake AI, but their stances are different.

Huang further stressed that his purpose was to highlight the illegality of such behavior. He stated he did not intend to spread misinformation or gain personal profit, but rather to show that these actions are unacceptable. The legal dispute centers on the differing interpretations and applications of deepfake technology by the two mayors.

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My purpose is to tell everyone that this behavior is illegal, and I did not intend to spread it or seek any personal gain. Instead, I was telling everyone that this is not allowed.