Purported Russian-Linked Network Allegedly Used Deepfake of Maria Ressa on Facebook and Bing to Promote Cryptocurrency Scam Targeting Filipinos
A purportedly Russian-linked scam network allegedly circulated an AI-generated deepfake of journalist Maria Ressa on Facebook and Microsoft Bing. The video reportedly manipulated a 2022 interview to falsely depict Ressa endorsing cryptocurrency. Fraudulent websites allegedly impersonating Rappler and CNN Philippines reportedly amplified the scam. Investigators reportedly linked the operation to a fraudulent network targeting Filipino audiences. Meta and Microsoft removed the content, but similar scams allegedly continue to resurface.
- Date it happened
- 2024-02-06
- Organisation involved
- TD Globus Contract, Russian-linked scam network, M1 Shop
- Product, system or model
- Microsoft Bing advertising system, Facebook advertising system, Synthetic audio generation technology, Deepfake technology
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