Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp has removed AI-generated ‘deepfake’ videos spreading false information about the presidential election.
One of the videos had the appearance of an RTÉ News report on a false claim that Independent candidate Catherine Connolly was withdrawing from the presidential race.
The video appears to have originated from a Facebook account called ‘RTÉ News AI’.
Another post from the account included false news coverage about the high number of spoilt votes being cast on election day.
The account and the videos have now been removed from Facebook but the content is still available on X.
The fake Catherine Connolly video has been shared widely attracting a mix of comments from social media users with some saying it looks realistic, while others dismissing it as a fake.
An Coimisiún Toghcháin said it became aware of the video yesterday evening and escalated the issue immediately using pre-agreed communications channels with platforms.
The commission urged voters to ask themselves certain questions when considering information.
“As always during election periods we continue to emphasise our longstanding message to voters to ask themselves when considering any information.
“How do I know if this is true? Who is telling me this? Why are they telling me this? Can I consider alternative sources to check factual accuracy?”
Meta has been contacted for comment.
The media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán has also been asked if it is investigating the matter.
Deepfake videos use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate realistic images and sounds.
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