AI-Generated Deepfake Videos Spread Misinformation During Iran Protests
During Iran's internet shutdown amid nationwide protests, AI-generated deepfake videos spread on social media, reportedly viewed at least 3.5 million times. The videos depicted conflicting narratives about the protests, with some falsely showing anti-regime actions and others depicting pro-government rallies, using AI tools like OpenAI's Sora 2 to fill the information void created by internet restrictions.
What happened
Fake AI-generated videos about Iranian protests spread on social media during an internet shutdown in Iran. NewsGuard identified seven AI-made clips collectively viewed at least 3.5 million times.
The videos depicted conflicting narratives: some falsely showed anti-regime actions including a woman smashing a Basij police vehicle window and protesters erecting a 'Trump Street' sign, while others depicted pro-government rallies.
Reported impact
The AI-generated videos filled an information void created by Iran's internet shutdown, spreading competing narratives about nationwide protests.
According to NewsGuard, AI video generators like OpenAI's Sora 2 enabled rapid creation of realistic disinformation that people used to 'advance their own narratives'.
Index analysis
Some videos contained unrealistic elements, such as glass shards appearing from nowhere in one scene showing a woman breaking a vehicle window.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.