Taoyuan man spreads fake news about potato poisoning, Taoyuan prosecutors seek detention

(Central News Agency reporter Ye Zhen, Taoyuan, 28th) A 51-year-old man surnamed Wang from Taoyuan City spread fake news, fabricated using AI, on the internet about "multiple people in Kaohsiung falling ill and being hospitalized after consuming potato products." The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office questioned Wang yesterday and, after interrogation, sought his detention for allegedly violating the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act by spreading false information about food safety.

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office stated today that prosecutor Wang Nian-heng of the Public Livelihood Special Team directed the investigation by the Cybersecurity Operations Station of the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau. Starting from April 25th, Wang had successively posted AI-fabricated news reports on multiple Facebook fan pages, spreading the false information that "multiple people in Kaohsiung fell ill and being hospitalized after consuming potato products."

The Taoyuan prosecutors stated that Wang used the internet to spread false information regarding food safety, causing public fear about the safety of potatoes and their products, and also affecting the operations of relevant businesses. Wang was summoned for questioning last night.

The Taoyuan prosecutors stated that after questioning by the prosecutor, it was determined that Wang was highly suspected of violating the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act by spreading false information about food safety, and there was a risk of collusion. Therefore, a request for his detention was filed with the Taoyuan District Court.

The Kaohsiung City Government Health Bureau also issued a clarification yesterday, emphasizing that according to the "Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act," spreading rumors or false information related to food safety that causes damage to the public or others shall be punished with imprisonment of not more than three years, detention, or a fine of not more than NT$1 million. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150428

Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you provide is the power to protect press freedom.

Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.

The text, images, and audio-visual content on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.