AI deepfake video of Changhua candidate Chen Su-yueh spreads online
Taiwan's election dirty tricks have gone digital, and the legal punishment is far harsher than most people spreading these clips realize.
- The campaign of DPP Changhua county magistrate candidate Chen Su-yueh says fake AI-made videos of her are circulating on social media.
- The party's local branch filed a police report and asked the platforms to take the clips down.
- Taiwan's election law now carries up to seven years in prison for making or sharing deepfake videos meant to sink a candidate — a fine will not buy your way out.
- Doing it for profit brings heavier penalties plus fines running into the millions of Taiwan dollars, and even casually forwarding a clip counts.
- The campaign wants the money and people behind the paid promotion of the fake clips traced, and has opened two tip lines.
Outlook: Expect more deepfake accusations and prosecutions as Taiwan's local elections heat up, with police pressure on platforms to pull content fast.