Taiwanese authorities say actors linked to China are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology in influence operations targeting Taiwan. The warning was issued by the National Security Bureau, which said the campaigns are designed to manipulate public opinion and undermine social trust.
According to the bureau, the operations rely on AI tools to generate and distribute large volumes of misleading content at speed. This includes fabricated news articles, automated social media posts, and synthetic images and videos that are presented as authentic. Officials said the material is often disseminated through coordinated networks of fake accounts and websites to amplify its reach.
The bureau said Chinese contractors, including technology and marketing firms, are believed to be involved in producing and spreading the content. These entities allegedly use automated systems to manage accounts and publish material across multiple platforms, allowing campaigns to scale rapidly with limited human involvement. Taiwanese officials described the approach as part of a broader effort to apply pressure through information manipulation rather than confrontation.
Deepfakes and other AI-generated media are a growing concern, authorities said, because they can convincingly imitate real people and events. The bureau reported that manipulated images and videos have been used to misrepresent political figures and government actions, creating confusion and eroding trust in verified information sources.
Taiwan has previously linked similar tactics to attempts to influence domestic political debate, including during election periods. Officials said the use of generative AI lowers the cost and effort required to produce persuasive false content, increasing the volume and sophistication of such campaigns.
In response, Taiwanese agencies are strengthening detection and response measures. The government said it is investing in technical tools to identify synthetic media and coordinated inauthentic behaviour, while also working with civil society groups to improve public awareness of disinformation risks. Education initiatives aimed at improving media literacy are also being expanded.
The bureau said countering AI-driven influence operations will require ongoing cooperation between government bodies, technology platforms, and independent researchers. Chinese authorities have not commented publicly on the specific allegations.