Taiwan battles wave of disinformation in presidential election

A surge of disinformation, ranging from deepfakes to sensational TikTok videos, is sweeping through Taiwan just days before the crucial presidential election.

Primarily targeting candidates opposed by China, this disinformation campaign is believed to be orchestrated by Beijing, openly expressing its disapproval of frontrunner Lai Ching-te, whose Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) staunchly rejects China’s territorial claims over Taiwan.

Investigations by AFP Fact Check reveal that some TikTok videos, laden with loud graphics and dramatic music, originated on Douyin, the mainland Chinese version of the app. Notably, a Chinese hashtag mocking Lai garnered over 8.5 million views, signaling a coordinated effort to sway public opinion against the DPP.

One persistent claim circulating on social media alleges that Lai’s running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, is secretly a US citizen, rendering her ineligible. Despite Hsiao’s repeated assertions of renouncing her US citizenship years ago, this unfounded claim remains a focal point of disinformation during the election campaign.

Experts suggest that this disinformation onslaught is part of a Beijing-led strategy to discredit politicians who do not align with China’s narrative on Taiwan.

The campaign aims not only to influence the election but also to undermine the legitimacy of Taiwan’s democracy, according to Jonathan Sullivan of the University of Nottingham.

China’s increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years is accompanied by a concerted effort to shape public opinion against pro-independence views. Denying the allegations, Beijing dismisses them as “rumours and hype.”

The clash between China and the DPP dates back to May 2022 when accounts posing as Taiwanese users began disseminating politically charged videos and memes in a coordinated effort, according to the US research firm Graphika.

Frontrunner Lai accuses China of using every means to interfere in the election, including disinformation tactics.

Framing the election as a choice between war and peace, China portrays the DPP as acting against Taiwan’s interests at the behest of the United States.

Disinformation, often featuring deepfakes, amplifies this narrative.

In one instance, a video emerged in November with manipulated audio, making it seem like Lai was praising his party’s Beijing-friendly opponents. Taiwanese authorities swiftly removed it, recognizing it as an attempt to sway voters.

The trail of disinformation extends from Douyin to TikTok, with AFP Fact-Check uncovering anti-DPP videos originating on the mainland Chinese platform before spreading to TikTok.

These videos, often criticizing DPP policies, reach a significantly larger audience on TikTok than Douyin. The fact-checking efforts, supported by TikTok, aim to counter false information, leading to the removal or flagging of misleading videos on the platform.