Graphic Artist Hsiao Ying-teng Convicted for Distributing Synthesized Photos Falsely Depicting Li Boyi Supporting Recall; Sentenced to 3 Months for PIPA Violation

On June 18, 2026, the Taipei District Court handed down a verdict (Case No. 115-Su-41) against pro-DPP graphic artist Hsiao Ying-teng (Facebook page "Hsiao Ying-teng"). During the July 2025 campaign to recall KMT Legislator Lai Shyh-bao, Hsiao downloaded a photo of KMT Taipei City Councillor Li Boyi giving a thumbs-up and maliciously photoshopped it onto a campaign billboard advocating for the recall of Lai Shyh-bao. He then distributed this fake image on Facebook and Threads to mislead voters into believing Li Boyi supported the recall of his own party colleague, thereby aiming to influence the recall outcome and damage Li's interests. The court found Hsiao guilty of violating the Personal Information Protection Act (illegal use of personal data beyond the scope of collection by a non-government agency). He was sentenced to 3 months in prison (commutable to a fine), with a 2-year probation period, a 50,000 TWD payment to the public treasury, and a 1-year deprivation of public rights. The case marks a landmark ruling against political affiliates fabricating false public opinions through synthesized images to interfere with election processes.