Human Rights Advocate warns China could use AI deepfakes

A leading human rights activist has cautioned that a recent youth camp organized by China for Taiwanese students could potentially use artificial intelligence deepfake technology to coerce participants into cooperating with Beijing's propaganda efforts. According to Taipei Times reports, the Chinese Culture Study Camp, set to commence early this month, offers Taiwanese university students a seven-day, six-night tour of Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Meishan, and Yibin in Sichuan Province, at notably discounted rates.

Critics argue the pricing is suspiciously low for the itinerary and expenses involved. The camp's itinerary includes visits to the Sichuan Celebrity Museum, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and the Jinsha Site Museum, all administered under the auspices of the Publicity Department of China's Communist Party.

Human rights advocate Lee Ming-che has expressed concern that the main objective of these cultural exchange programs is to foster a sense of identification with China among young Taiwanese. With a history of incarceration for subversion of state power in China, Lee has witnessed firsthand how Chinese organizers meticulously collect participants' contact information, which they can then leverage to disseminate fabricated news and propaganda to Taiwanese audiences.

He warns that the most significant risk of participating in these trips is the possibility of Chinese authorities utilizing AI-generated deepfake videos to fabricate scenarios, such as participants visiting inappropriate places or soliciting prostitution, to intimidate and coerce them into collaborating with China post-return. Lee asserts that these programs are not genuine civilian exchanges but serve as covert "united front" operations, potentially leaving Taiwanese youth susceptible to manipulation and intimidation by Chinese authorities.