Lee Sze-chuan Accuses Deepfake Image of Defamation and Plans Legal Action; Su Tsui-hui's Office: Never Attacked Opponent

New Taipei, April 28 (CNA reporters Huang Hsu-sheng, Wang Hung-kuo) — Lee Sze-chuan's campaign office for New Taipei City mayor, a KMT candidate, announced that it has collected evidence and plans to file a lawsuit against cartoonist Hsiao Ying-teng for posting a deepfake image online to defame Lee. Su Tsui-hui's office, a DPP candidate for mayor, responded that they have never attacked an opponent and did not issue any press releases. Lee Sze-chuan's campaign office stated that the fan page posted a clearly identifiable photo of Lee Sze-chuan, using digital deepfake technology, and implied the person with false words. Many comments below the post directly identified the person as Lee Sze-chuan, and the post continued to be shared, "clearly disseminated publicly and seriously damaging Lee Sze-chuan's reputation." On April 27th, Hsiao Ying-teng posted an image on his Facebook fan page that combined Lee Sze-chuan's headshot with a tattooed torso. The post claimed that this was a photo provided by his AI query. In response, Lee Sze-chuan's campaign office issued a press release today, stating that it has continued to collect evidence and is discussing relevant legal liabilities with lawyers, not ruling out further legal action. Lee Sze-chuan's campaign office also stated that a New Taipei City councilor from the Democratic Progressive Party liked and supported the article. Previously, when deepfake technology caused many women to be victimized and indecent videos were circulated, DPP New Taipei City mayoral candidate Su Tsui-hui had said, "In the political sphere, there have been many cases where deepfake technology has been used to create content to attack political opponents and influence elections, and it has clearly been effective." Lee Sze-chuan's campaign office asked Su Tsui-hui's camp to respond whether they agree with this act of attacking political opponents using deepfake technology, whether it was authorized or tacitly approved by Su Tsui-hui, and whether they agree with such behavior. Liu Fang-yu, spokesperson for Su Tsui-hui's office, responded in writing, stating that Su Tsui-hui's team has never attacked an opponent, and the campaign headquarters has neither issued press releases nor held press conferences, nor authorized any netizens or fan pages to conduct election attacks. Liu Fang-yu emphasized that a progressive New Taipei is colorful, and Su Tsui-hui will continue to introduce various policies and visions to care for citizens and all walks of life, and organize various creative activities. She hopes that this election will have more policy discussions and less political mudslinging, allowing New Taipei citizens to make their choice. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150428. Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom. Download CNA's "First-hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly. The text, images, and audio/video of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.