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

WION
19 Aug 202402:35

Summary

TLDRPro-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.

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Related Tags
DisinformationElectionAI Fake NewsDeepfakesPolitical ManipulationMedia DeceptionUS PoliticsFake OutletsDigital MisinformationPropaganda