Deepfake video of Irish PM Micheál Martin used to promote investment scam
An AI-generated deepfake video of Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin was circulated online to promote a financial scam claiming investors could earn €40,000 with a €250 investment. Martin warned the public to be vigilant on social media and called on platforms to remove such content.
What happened
An AI-generated deepfake video of Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin was circulated online claiming he promoted a financial product. The fake video showed what appeared to be the taoiseach speaking with an English accent claiming investors of any age could earn €40,000 with just a phone and a €250 investment.
The scam video claimed those who invested would see their first €1,000 profit within hours, and that the taoiseach would personally refund €10,000 if they did not. Micheál Martin confirmed the video was 'clearly very false material' and responded publicly to warn people.
Reported impact
The deepfake was used to promote a financial scam targeting members of the public through social media platforms. Martin warned people to 'be vigilant' on social media in response to the deceptive content.
Index analysis
The incident occurred in the context of increasing use of AI-generated media for fraudulent purposes. It came shortly before an AI-generated video of Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly circulated online during the presidential election in October.
Governance controls
Martin called on social media platforms to prevent such material from being posted online and to take it down as soon as it is identified. The Irish government has proposed the Protection of Voice and Image Bill to make it an offence to misuse someone's voice, image, or likeness without permission for malign purposes, including fraud.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.