'You Bu De Ni' Investigated in 'Water Meter Check' — Huang Kuo-chang Fumes: 'Is Taiwan a Nation of Law or a Police State?'

The satirical political video 'You Bu De Ni,' which used AI to synthesize the voice of President Lai Qingde, was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Bureau after receiving a public complaint. Officers visited the home of the video's producer, Wei Chun-yu, to verify facts, sparking controversy over a so-called 'water meter check'—a slang term implying sudden, intimidating police raids.

Kou-chang Huang, chairman of the Taiwan People's Party, criticized the action during a live stream, arguing that police cannot forcibly take individuals for questioning without a warrant or official notice. He called the authorities' actions 'unfathomable' and demanded the bureau clarify its legal basis.

Huang compared the swift investigation of the satirical video to the slow response in the Chung Lien Oils food safety scandal, accusing law enforcement of double standards. He questioned why authorities act quickly on political satire but fail to show the same urgency in protecting public health.

During the broadcast, Huang asked his staff: 'If police officers come to your door and demand you come in for questioning, must you comply?' His staffer replied, 'I'd be terrified. If they say I have to go, don't I have to? Can I refuse?' Huang responded that police cannot use mere presence to compel someone to leave their home.

Citing the Code of Criminal Procedure, Huang explained that to summon a defendant, a prosecutor must issue a formal notice specifying name, charges, time, and location. Judicial police investigating suspects must also use official notices under Article 71-1. Only after lawful notice and failure to appear without just cause can police request a warrant for arrest.

Huang emphasized that without a warrant, police generally cannot restrict personal freedom—even if the individual is a suspect. He advised citizens to request a formal notice and verify the case details, time, and location before complying.

Regarding concerns about obstructing justice by refusing to cooperate, Huang argued that passive refusal does not constitute obstruction if police lack proper legal procedures. He questioned, 'Are we creating secret police? Gestapo-style tactics? Is Taiwan becoming an authoritarian state?' However, he acknowledged that each case must be judged based on the specific enforcement methods and evidence.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau stated it acted on a public report alleging the video used AI deepfake technology to mimic President Lai's voice, potentially misleading the public. The investigation aimed to clarify facts, preserve evidence, and understand the production process. Police only advised the producer to consider adjusting or removing the video, asserting no coercion, freedom restriction, or suppression of speech occurred.

Huang rejected this explanation, arguing that even a 'suggestion' to remove content after a police visit creates psychological pressure on creators.

DPP legislator Chen Pei-yu claimed document forgery is a public prosecution offense (non-private prosecution). Huang countered that this confuses legal concepts, stating, 'Any student who wrote this in a criminal procedure exam would get zero.'

He clarified that 'public prosecution' refers to whether the prosecutor initiates the case, while 'private prosecution' determines whether a victim's complaint is required. 'A public prosecution offense is not automatically non-private prosecution,' he stressed. Whether 'You Bu De Ni' constitutes forgery depends on content, synthesis method, and potential for deception.

Huang questioned whether all AI-generated content involving political figures would be investigated equally. He cited social media accounts that repeatedly alter and mock politicians' images without police action. Since related parties have already filed reports, he said this would test whether authorities apply consistent standards.

Huang also noted that his own complaint—regarding media allegations of receiving funds from hostile foreign forces—has seen no progress in six months, while the AI voice video was swiftly addressed. He asked, 'Is Taiwan a nation of law, or a police state, a dictatorship?' He called for the Criminal Investigation Bureau to publicly explain its investigative basis and procedures.