AI-generated deepfake image targets Romanian foreign minister in disinformation campaign
An AI-generated deepfake image depicting Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu in inappropriate clothing circulated on social media over a weekend in October 2025. The false image was deliberately created and spread by pro-Russian accounts to discredit the minister, who had proposed strict penalties for financing Russia through Romanian companies.
What happened
A digitally manipulated image created using artificial intelligence circulated on social media showing Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu in a red dress with a low neckline at an official meeting. According to USR, the image was 'created with artificial intelligence' and circulated widely over the weekend on 'accounts of pro-Russians'.
The real photograph showed Țoiu in black jacket and trousers with a badge at the NATO summit in The Hague, where she was discussing peace in Ukraine, support for Moldova and Black Sea region stability.
Reported impact
USR stated that 'many people shared and commented on how the minister chose to dress at an official delegation without paying much attention to the image', indicating the false image succeeded in spreading before its falsity was identified.
USR characterized the campaign as 'desperation' and 'manipulation', and described the incident as an example of how doctored images can be used for political manipulation and disinformation.
Index analysis
USR noted that 'the frequency of using disinformation campaigns based on false information and images is increasing', and emphasized the need to 'be more careful than ever about what we believe from what we see on Social Media'.
Governance controls
Țoiu had placed on the government agenda a draft law on penalties for those who finance Russia in war through Romanian companies, with sentences up to 12 years imprisonment. USR suggested this legislative action may have been the motivation for the attack.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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