AI-Generated Deepfake Video of Yogyakarta Governor Used in Scam
A deepfake video impersonating Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X circulated via WhatsApp in July 2026, reportedly designed to scam people into making advance payments. The governor's communications office confirmed the video was AI-generated and warned the public not to trust or share it.
What happened
A deepfake video using AI technology to create synthetic audio and video content impersonating Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the Governor of Yogyakarta (DIY), circulated through WhatsApp on 22 July 2026.
The video contained narration about personal matters and appeared to promote advance payment for goods through a merchant, which officials determined the Sultan would never communicate. The video was first reported by GKR Condrokirono, the Sultan's daughter, after receiving it from a colleague.
Reported impact
Officials stated the deepfake video appeared designed as a scam to deceive people into making payments by impersonating the governor. As of the date of reporting, Diskominfo DIY stated no confirmed victims of the scam had been identified.
Diskominfo DIY warned the public to be cautious and not trust or share the video, cautioning against believing posts falsely attributed to the Yogyakarta Governor.
Index analysis
Diskominfo DIY determined the video was not produced by the regional government's communications department. Officials stated that the personal content and manner of communication in the video contradicted the Sultan's actual communication style, indicating it was AI-generated.
Governance controls
Diskominfo DIY emphasized their immediate investigation and public announcement upon receiving the report. The agency stated that its current focus was increasing public digital literacy rather than pursuing legal action at the time of reporting.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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