Brazilian government demands Meta remove deepfake video of minister
Brazilian authorities issued a 48-hour removal notice to Meta for hosting an AI-generated deepfake video of Finance Minister Fernando Haddad that criminals used to direct people to a phishing site claiming to offer access to forgotten bank deposits. Meta acknowledged the content violated its policies against fraud and deception.
What happened
Criminals used AI to create a deepfake video of Finance Minister Fernando Haddad falsely announcing a fraudulent website where Brazilians could claim forgotten bank deposits. The video simulated the minister's voice, gestures and physical characteristics to direct people to a phishing site designed to steal personal data.
On 18 November 2024, the Advocacia-Geral da União (AGU), the government's legal representative, issued an extrajudicial notice to Meta demanding removal of the video within 48 hours. Meta stated the content violated its policies against deception and fraud, and that it uses community reports, technology and human review to enforce them.
Reported impact
The deepfake video was used to defraud Brazilians by directing them to enter their tax identification number (CPF) and banking details to claim money supposedly held by the Central Bank. The phishing site falsely claimed to offer a pathway to recover funds from a legitimate but now-closed government program.
Governance controls
Meta said it cooperates with authorities under applicable law and that activities intended to deceive, defraud or exploit people are not permitted on its platforms. The AGU warned it would pursue judicial action to hold Meta responsible if it failed to comply with the removal demand.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.