TikTok faces rise in AI-generated conspiracy theories

The combination of generative artificial intelligence and the TikTok algorithm has facilitated a surge in AI-generated conspiracy theories and disinformation. Anonymous creators, often using ‘faceless accounts’, are utilizing tools such as ChatGPT to write sensationalist scripts, ElevenLabs to generate authoritative human-like narrations, and various software to combine these elements with dramatic visuals and music.

These highly convincing videos can be produced in minutes and often target sensitive topics, including historical alternative realities and false statements attributed to living politicians. One particularly controversial trend involves using AI to clone the voices of deceased celebrities or crime victims to create deceptive content.