Taiwan launches AI video on platform to solicit Chinese informants
Taiwan's National Security Bureau launched a platform targeting Chinese citizens to provide confidential intelligence, featuring an AI-generated video of a fictional Chinese official describing persecution under the regime. The initiative, reportedly inspired by similar practices by US, UK and Israeli intelligence agencies, aims to recruit informants from mainland China.
What happened
Taiwan's National Security Bureau launched a platform aimed at Chinese citizens 'who share the same democratic values' to collect confidential information about China. On the platform's homepage appears an AI-generated video featuring a fictional Chinese official describing how his colleagues are disappearing, each targeted in turn by investigations.
Reported impact
The NSB stated it described a 'generalized climate of tension' under the Chinese totalitarian regime. According to the bureau, a 'growing number' of individuals have approached Taiwan authorities 'wishing to provide various types of information.'
Index analysis
The NSB stated it was inspired by 'practices adopted by intelligence agencies in the United States, United Kingdom and Israel.' Recent years have seen increased attempts to recruit spies in China via the web, including CIA video campaigns in Mandarin targeting disillusioned military officers.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.