TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Monday called on law enforcement agencies to step up efforts against disinformation and foreign interference ahead of Taiwan’s local elections in November.
Speaking at a meeting on election security attended by prosecutors and police officials, Cho said elections should be determined through fair competition and public discussion rather than manipulation or outside interference, according to Formosa.
He instructed authorities to finalize election security plans and strengthen preventive measures against activities that could disrupt the electoral process. Vote-buying and election-related violence remain major concerns, he said, adding that the two issues are often closely linked.
Cho warned that emerging technologies, including digital payment services and cryptocurrencies, could be exploited to facilitate election-related crimes. He called for stronger investigative capabilities and updated enforcement tools to address such risks.
He added that advances in AI, particularly deepfake technology, have created new challenges for elections worldwide by making it easier to produce and spread false content. Taipei’s Criminal Investigation Division said AI-generated technology has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years.
It said criminals can use the technology to manipulate audio and video content and distribute false information for fraud and other illegal activities. The division warned that deepfake videos and AI-generated materials are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic content, potentially affecting public trust and decision-making.
Alongside the risks posed by emerging technologies, Cho highlighted foreign interference as another major challenge facing election security. He said preventing such interference remains one of the government’s top priorities given Taiwan’s geopolitical environment.
Cho instructed authorities to trace the funding sources, organizations, and individuals behind attempts to influence Taiwan’s elections. Concerns over potential foreign influence efforts have already emerged ahead of the vote.
In June, cybersecurity researchers warned of a possible early-stage overseas influence operation after identifying a network of coordinated Facebook pages that appeared to be involved in efforts to shape political discussions in Taiwan. Experts said such networks often use non-political content, such as parenting and lifestyle posts, to attract followers before introducing political messages during sensitive periods.
Taiwan’s nine-in-one local elections are scheduled for Nov. 28. Voters will elect mayors, county magistrates, councilors, township representatives, village chiefs, and other local officials, according to Global Views Monthly.