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AI-generated deepfake of Bulgarian Patriarch spreads on Facebook
An AI-generated deepfake video falsely depicting Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil endorsing commercial products spread on Facebook in September 2025. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church rejected the video and reported it to state authorities.
19 September 2025 Β· Meta Platforms (Facebook) Β· Misinformation and synthetic media
A video circulating on Facebook uses artificial intelligence to manipulate the image and voice of Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil, the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, according to the Church's statement on 19 September 2025.
The deepfake video falsely depicts the Patriarch endorsing products or services, contrary to his actual positions and beliefs.
Reported impact
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church stated that the message in the video contradicts Orthodox spirituality and Church teaching.
The Church said the Patriarch did not participate in creating the video and urged the public not to be manipulated by such malicious fabrications.
Index analysis
The deepfake was created using AI to falsify both the visual appearance and audio of a public religious figure for apparent commercial or manipulative purposes.
Governance controls
The Church's office reported that it has taken steps to alert competent state authorities about the case.