Fake journalist network used AI avatars to place pro-UAE propaganda

A network of at least 19 fake personas used AI-generated or stolen avatars to place nearly 100 opinion articles in almost 50 publications, including the Jerusalem Post and Al Arabiya. The articles lauded the United Arab Emirates and advocated for a tough line against Qatar, Turkey, and Iran. The operation was exposed by The Daily Beast, and Twitter subsequently suspended 16 accounts for platform manipulation. The incident involved the use of AI to create fake journalist profiles to disseminate propaganda.

Date it happened

2020-07-07

Organisation involved

The Arab Eye

This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.