Taiwan warns of China's AI-driven election interference
News agency-feeds Taiwan warns of China's AI-driven election interference Last Updated: August 17, 2026, 17:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Taipei [Taiwan], August 17 (ANI): Beijing. . .
Newsagency-feedsTaiwan warns of China's AI-driven election interferenceLast Updated:August 17, 2026, 17:15 ISTRepresentational image (Image: News18)Taipei [Taiwan], August 17 (ANI): Beijing is using AI to interfere in Taiwan’s elections by spreading targeted disinformation, impersonating people and creating convincing fake content, according to a claim by the Democratic Progressive Party’s China Affairs Department, as reported by the Taipei Times. The department said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has continued to expand efforts to influence Taiwan’s political environment by combining economic and military pressure with cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns and other forms of information warfare. The Taipei Times reported that officials linked these activities to a broader strategy designed to shape public opinion and political behaviour in Taiwan. According to the department, earlier examples include criticism directed at Taiwanese K-pop singer Chou Tzu-yu in 2016 after she appeared on a South Korean television programme holding a Republic of China flag and identifying herself as Taiwanese. The department also pointed to alleged disinformation campaigns during Taiwan’s 2018 local elections, “united front" information operations surrounding the 2020 presidential election and intensified information warfare following then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022. The Taipei Times reported that the DPP department believes AI has made such interference more efficient and less expensive. By analysing personal information, political preferences, social-media activity and online behaviour, AI could allow Beijing-linked actors to generate political messages tailored to specific audiences. The technology could also reportedly be used to imitate Taiwanese language and expressions, exploit local issues, operate fake social-media accounts, impersonate public figures and enter online group chats. The Taipei Times further cited the department as warning that fabricated audio, videos, endorsements and scandals could be produced and circulated just hours before voting, potentially leaving authorities little time to respond. The department described the alleged operation as a supply chain involving voter-data collection, identification of sensitive issues and distribution through social-media networks and other platforms. As reported by the Taipei Times, officials warned that AI’s greatest danger lies in its ability to create believable false content faster than it can be disproved. The department urged voters to check original sources, consult credible news organisations and fact-checking agencies, and remain cautious of sensational claims or information lacking verifiable evidence. (ANI)(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed -ANI)News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismKey Questions AnsweredPowered byAsk News18AI disinformation could impact future global elections by making interference more efficient and less expensive, allowing for tailored political messages to specific audiences. It can also create convincing fake content, impersonate people, and generate hyper-realistic deepfakes that blur the line between pranks and dangerous disinformation campaigns. This could lead to a decline in public trust in what they see online. Powered byAsk News18First Published:August 17, 2026, 17:15 ISTDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. Loading comments. . . Read More