OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently sat down for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in which he openly acknowledged that ChatGPT’s model behavior is indeed influencing the entire world, and that he himself is responsible for the decisions related to the bot’s moral framework. He said that he has not had a good night of sleep since its launch, as the technology could bring about unpredictable consequences.
Although the discussion took place in the US, it is closely related to Taiwan. While Altman worries about the concentration of power, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has already weaponized artificial intelligence (AI), investing massive resources into developing deepfake technology, manipulating public opinion and generating disinformation.
From TikTok algorithms pushing pro-China content to anonymous online communities spreading rumors, and even AI automatically generating Hoklo-language (commonly known as Taiwanese) and Hakka-language pro-unification propaganda, the CCP’s cognitive warfare has already escalated to the point where it might even surpass our defenses.
Unfortunately, Taiwan lacks sufficient defensive capabilities. The country is surrounded by crises, caught in the midst of an asymmetric barrage.
First are the technological gaps — domestic systems for detecting and tracing disinformation are underdeveloped, and lack real-time monitoring and response capabilities.
Second are the regulatory gaps — there are no clear safety regulations surrounding generative AI, nor are there adequate interagency coordination mechanisms.
Finally, the public lacks the media literacy skills required to identify AI-generated disinformation — thus, it is easily manipulated.
The CCP possesses world-class language models and a massive online army. In contrast, Taiwan relies on a handful of non-governmental organizations, a few journalists and civil volunteers that strive to combat disinformation. It is not a fair fight, but a one-sided attack. Taiwan has no choice but to act immediately.
The country should start by establishing a real-time AI defense center in a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Digital Affairs, national security units, academic circles and civil society to monitor AI attacks and deepfake content by foreign entities.
The government should enact laws on AI information warfare defense to clearly define legal responsibilities and consequences for foreign hostile forces that employ AI in an attempt to interfere with elections and public opinion.
We must enhance the media literacy of all citizens by promoting deepfake detection education in schools and on social media platforms, helping the public to recognize AI-generated disinformation.
Taiwan must strengthen international cooperation by establishing a joint defense network with the US, Japan and Europe to share intelligence regarding AI attacks, and codevelop protective technologies.
Altman’s concerns are the concerns of all humanity — but for Taiwan, it is a matter of survival. If we do not swiftly establish defensive mechanisms, our nation’s elections, information warfare and even social order would be vulnerable to manipulation by foreign hostile forces using AI, which could ultimately lead us to lose a war without any bloodshed.
Hsiao Hsi-huei is a freelance writer.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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