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AI-generated disinformation targets US Senate candidates
Social media videos suspected of being produced with artificial intelligence and linked to Russia are targeting Democratic Senate candidates in the United States. These videos misuse the names and photographs of real individuals to spread false information during the final stages of the legislative election campaign.
One targeted candidate is Sherrod Brown of Ohio. The disinformation includes a manipulated newscast featuring Haya Akbik, a former intern for Brown, who stated that the allegations attributed to her are “completely made up.” Another target is James Talarico in Texas, who is facing Republican Ken Paxton. The videos involving Talarico use deepfakes and are framed as confessions from former students.
While the social media platform X has removed initial posts and suspended violating users, copies of the videos continue to circulate online. Experts note that these tactics represent a known playbook used by foreign adversaries to influence voters and undermine political processes through fabricated, damaging information.
Entities
Haya Akbik · James Talarico · Russia · Sherrod Brown · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A TikTok creator reported an attempted scam using AI voice cloning to impersonate a relative. nuevolaredo.tv · vanguardia.com.mx
- [● 4 SOURCES] The videos misuse the names and photographs of real people to spread disinformation. lavozhispanact.com · www.newsday.com · www.troyrecord.com · wtop.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Sherrod Brown is a Democratic Senate candidate in Ohio. lavozhispanact.com · www.newsday.com · www.troyrecord.com · wtop.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Haya Akbik is a former intern for Sherrod Brown. lavozhispanact.com · www.newsday.com · www.troyrecord.com · wtop.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] James Talarico is a Democratic Senate candidate in Texas. lavozhispanact.com · www.newsday.com · www.troyrecord.com · wtop.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] X removed initial posts and suspended users for violating platform rules. lavozhispanact.com · www.newsday.com · www.troyrecord.com · wtop.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Google SynthID detected AI watermarks in an audio file involving Manfred Reyes Villa and Fernando Cerimedo. chequeabolivia.bo
- [● 4 SOURCES] Social media videos suspected of being produced with AI are linked to Russia. lavozhispanact.com · www.newsday.com · www.troyrecord.com · wtop.com