AI-generated deepfakes spread widely in Sudan during civil conflict
AI-generated deepfakes depicting false military actions, policy statements, and alleged conspiracies circulated widely on social media platforms in Sudan during the ongoing civil conflict, including fake images of bombed buildings, fake videos impersonating government officials, and fabricated audio recordings of military orders, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers and being shared by politicians and journalists before some content was removed.
What happened
During Sudan's ongoing civil conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, AI-generated deepfakes have circulated widely on social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube, and National TV. In April 2024, a fake image of a burning building was shared with claims that the Sudanese army had bombed Al-Jazeera University in Wad Madani; in August 2023, a deepfake video circulated showing the U.S. ambassador to Sudan allegedly stating America has a plan to reduce Islam's influence; and in October 2023, an AI-generated video impersonated Sudan's former leader Omar al-Bashir on TikTok, receiving hundreds of thousands of views.
In March 2024, an AI-created audio recording attributed to the Sudanese Armed Forces head ordering the killing of civilians, deployment of snipers, and occupation of buildings received 230,000 views and was shared by known Sudanese politicians. Also in March 2024, another AI-generated recording falsely depicted a secret meeting between RSF militia leaders and Freedom and Change coalition leaders discussing a military coup; this recording was shared by journalists and broadcast on National TV before being removed.
Reported impact
The deepfakes have been widely shared by political leaders and public figures, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers across multiple platforms. The false content has contributed to information disorder in Sudan during an active conflict.
Index analysis
The deepfakes used AI technology to generate fake videos and voice recordings impersonating government officials and military leaders, designed to spread false claims about military actions, policy intentions, and alleged conspiracies.
Governance controls
Some AI-generated content was eventually removed from platforms such as YouTube after being broadcast, though the removal occurred after widespread circulation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.