Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je Files Police Report, Plans to Sue Over Deepfake TikTok Video
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has taken stern action against a deepfake video circulating on TikTok, which appears to show him expressing regret for supporting the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The mayor has reported the incident to the police and plans to sue the perpetrators, according to statements he made late Sunday evening.
In a press conference, Mayor Ko, also known as Ko Wen-je, confirmed that the video currently making rounds on the social media platform is indeed a deepfake, designed to mislead and misinform the public. He emphasized that he has never made such statements and urged the public not to spread the video further.
"I have already reported the case to the police and I will be filing a lawsuit against those responsible on Thursday, March 23, at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office," Ko stated. He also called upon social media platforms to actively monitor and remove such false content from their sites.
This is not the first time Mayor Ko has had to address deepfake videos targeting him. In 2021, he filed a police report and sued over another deepfake video that showed him making inappropriate remarks. The Taipei City Government has since stepped up efforts to combat deepfakes and misinformation, working closely with relevant authorities and tech giants to ensure the integrity of public discourse.
Mayor Ko’s swift response to the latest incident underscores his commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in public life. As deepfakes become increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial for individuals and institutions to remain vigilant and take decisive action to protect against their malicious use.
In related news, the National Police Agency has reminded the public that creating or spreading deepfakes can constitute a criminal offense under Taiwan’s Personal Data Protection Act and the lien of Article 317 of the Criminal Code. Those found guilty face penalties of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to NT$1 million.
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