AI-Driven fake news target 2024 US election with disinformation | Latest English News | WION

Summary

Pro-Russian websites are using AI-generated content to spread false allegations against Democrats, claiming a plot to assassinate former US President Donald Trump. Operated by John Mark Dougan, a former US Marine, these sites mimic local news outlets to deceive users during the election period. Disinformation watchdogs have identified AI-generated fake audios and articles, which are then amplified by chatbots on social media, posing a threat to voter misinformation.

Takeaways

• 🇷🇺 Pro-Russia websites are creating and spreading false allegations against Democrats, accusing them of plotting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump.
• 🤖 These websites use AI-generated content to produce misleading articles, aiming to influence public opinion during the election period.
• 📰 A network of fake local news sources is spreading narratives about an assassination attempt on Trump, allegedly orchestrated by the Democratic party.
• 🔍 The operation is linked to John Mark Dougan, a former US Marine who is now in Russia and is considered a central figure in the Kremlin's disinformation campaign.
• 🎤 An AI-generated voice of Barack Obama discussing Trump's removal for a Democratic victory was found in a fabricated audio recording.
• 📢 The fake audio was first posted on 'deepstateleaks.org' and then spread across a network of fake news sites.
• 📈 Disinformation watchdog NewsGuard has confirmed the audio's fabrication and the existence of these fake news sites.
• 📰 Fake news sites mimic real outlets, such as 'Atlanta Bacon' and 'Arizona Observer,' to appear credible to users.
• 📈 The number of these bogus media outlets has seen a sharp rise, attributed to the decline of traditional local newspapers.
• ⚠️ Experts warn that these fake news sites can mislead voters by spreading divisive content that closely resembles credible journalism.

Q & A

What is the main claim made by pro-Russia websites against the Democrats?

The main claim is that the Democrats plotted to assassinate former US president Donald Trump.

How are these false allegations being spread?

These allegations are being spread through a network of fake websites posing as independent local news sources, using AI-generated content.

Who is allegedly operating this network of fake news sites?

John Mark Dougan, a former US Marine who fled to Russia after facing criminal charges, is allegedly operating this network.

What is the role of John Mark Dougan in the disinformation campaign?

John Mark Dougan is viewed as a central figure in the Kremlin's disinformation campaign, using AI-generated content to promote false narratives.

What was the nature of the fake audio involving Barack Obama?

The fake audio involved an AI-generated voice of Barack Obama discussing the need to get rid of Trump to secure a Democratic victory.

How was the fake audio first disseminated?

The fake audio first appeared on an obscure website called deepstateleaks.org and was then shared across Dougan's network of fake news sites.

What are the characteristics of the fake news sites mentioned in the script?

The fake news sites have names resembling real outlets such as Atlanta Bacon and Arizona Observer to seem credible to users.

How are these fabricated stories being amplified?

These fabricated stories are being amplified on social media and by AI chat bots that pull content from these fake news sites.

What is the impact of the decline of traditional local newspapers on the rise of fake news sites?

The decline of traditional local newspapers, with many shutting down or having significant layoffs, has created gaps that fake news websites are capitalizing on.

How do these fake news sites pose a threat during an election year?

These fake news sites can mislead voters during an election year by spreading divisive content that closely resembles credible journalism.

What is the advice given to stay updated with the latest news in the script?

The advice is to download the Von app and subscribe to their YouTube channel for the latest news.