Deepfake Video of Journalist Spreads False Economic Statements in Argentina
A deepfake video falsely attributed alarmist economic statements to Argentine journalist Alejandro Fantino. Both Fantino and Economy Minister Luis Caputo confirmed the video was artificially manipulated, with Fantino publishing his full unedited remarks to demonstrate the fabrication.
What happened
A video was published on X that appeared to show journalist Alejandro Fantino stating that Argentina would face an economic crisis with a soaring dollar, rising country risk above 1,000 points, and difficult months ahead.
Fantino and Economy Minister Luis Caputo both denied the video was authentic. Fantino stated the video was edited and 'armaron una operación berreta y de manual' (set up a shoddy, by-the-book operation), and that what he actually said was the opposite. Caputo said the video appeared manipulated with artificial intelligence or fabricated.
President Javier Milei responded by accusing periodistas of using 'cut and paste' to make people say things they did not say, and shared Fantino's full editorial response on X.
Reported impact
The edited video circulated widely on social media, spreading false economic statements attributed to Fantino that contradicted the government's economic messaging.
Index analysis
The incident involved creation and circulation of a deepfake video using artificial intelligence to manipulate statements by a public figure, resulting in economic misinformation spreading on social platforms.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.