Deepfake video falsely announced Associate Professor Mangarov's death
Deepfake technology was used to create a false video of a NOVA television anchor announcing the death of Bulgarian Associate Professor Atanas Mangarov, along with fabricated news articles and interviews. The hoax circulated on social media and internet platforms.
What happened
False publications appeared online claiming that Associate Professor Atanas Mangarov, a doctor, had been shot in front of his home in Sofia.
A deepfake video was circulated on Facebook showing NOVA television news anchor Ani Salich reading a news report announcing Mangarov's death. The video was created using artificial intelligence technology that manipulates voice and video of real people.
A fake article was created under the name of the nova.bg website explaining reasons for the supposed murder. The hoax included a false interview purportedly recorded days before the alleged killing, in which Mangarov promoted blood vessel medications.
Reported impact
The false news circulated across internet space and social networks, spreading misinformation about Mangarov's death.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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