TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Culture (文化部), Taiwan's cultural affairs ministry, issued new guidelines Thursday (Sept. 11) regarding generative AI use in cultural works, warning that AI-created content resembling original styles could violate consumer protection and fair trade laws. The announcement comes amid controversy over the Kuomintang's (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, release of 3,000 limited-edition stress balls featuring a cartoon depiction of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德). The ministry cautioned that such AI-generated creations might breach existing legal frameworks protecting intellectual property and consumer rights.
KMT Legislator Hsieh Lung-chie (謝龍介) sharply criticized the ministry's new guidelines, demanding that any regulatory changes be submitted to the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, for proper legislative review. The legislator also launched personal attacks against President Lai regarding personnel decisions within his administration. Fellow KMT legislator Hsu Yu-chen (許宇甄) defended the controversial stress balls, insisting they represent donor gifts rather than commercial merchandise and accusing the ministry of using intimidation tactics against ordinary citizens.
The Ministry of Culture has remained silent regarding the mounting controversy surrounding its AI guidelines and the KMT's promotional materials. Political tensions continue escalating as the President Lai stress ball debate generates widespread public discussion across Taiwan's media landscape. The opposition party launched the limited-edition fundraising campaign, offering the 3,000 stress balls to supporters who contribute at least NT$726 (around US$24) to party coffers. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.247)