.avif){kind=small}
During the Iran war, a network of anonymous accounts on X utilized AI-generated videos and images to spread disinformation, specifically linking U.S. and Israeli military actions to Epstein-related conspiracy theories. This campaign, which included antisemitic content, aimed to erode public support for military operations and influence global opinion. Researchers identified the network as part of a pro-Iran propaganda effort, noting that the AI-generated content was used to lend false credibility to these narratives.
During the Iran war, anonymous pro-Iran accounts on X including HDX News and GPX News reportedly circulated a purportedly AI-generated Jeffrey Epstein-themed video while claiming it was real and that U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran were launched to distract from Epstein-related material. The Washington Post reported the HDX News post received more than 6.8 million views and GPX News's version received more than 4.7 million before both accounts were suspended by X.
The incident involves a coordinated, state-aligned network using AI-generated deepfakes to conduct a large-scale disinformation campaign aimed at manipulating public opinion and political processes.
The incident was caused by human operators intentionally deploying AI-generated deepfakes as part of a coordinated propaganda campaign.
Limited Risk: The incident involves 'AI-generated content such as deepfakes' used to spread disinformation. The report describes 'AI-generated fakes' and 'AI-generated videos' being spread on social media platforms without disclosure.
Severity ratings are based on this scale.
Highest direct severity in any category: Severe. Severity is scored from Negligible to Catastrophic in each harm category, for harm the reports describe as caused directly or indirectly by the AI system.
Reported: The report explicitly describes AI-generated videos and images used to spread antisemitic, pro-Nazi, and graphic conspiracy content.
Directly caused: The campaign directly spread an AI-generated video of a Jewish man dancing in a graveyard and a fake video of Trump with Epstein.
Indirectly caused: The campaign prompted right-wing influencers to share related antisemitic conspiracy theories, such as claims that the U.S. is controlled by Jews.
Inferred additional harm: It is likely that millions of social media users were exposed to toxic antisemitic and pro-Nazi content generated or inspired by this campaign.
Reported: The report explicitly describes targeted antisemitic harassment and propaganda against Jewish people.
Directly caused: The AI-generated content specifically targeted Jewish people, depicting them in a derogatory and conspiratorial manner.
Indirectly caused: The campaign fueled broader antisemitic narratives, leading to increased hostility and unequal safety conditions for Jewish individuals.
Inferred additional harm: Widespread dissemination of these deepfakes likely reinforced systemic biases and discriminatory attitudes against Jewish communities globally.
Reported: The report explicitly mentions threats, harassment, and violent attacks targeting Jewish people, which violate their civil rights.
Indirectly caused: The amplification of antisemitic propaganda indirectly led to harassment and threats that infringed upon the safety and civil rights of Jewish individuals.
Inferred additional harm: It is likely that numerous individuals experienced violations of their right to safety and freedom from discrimination due to the real-world harassment sparked by this campaign.
Reported: The report explicitly describes a coordinated foreign influence campaign aimed at eroding public support for U.S.-Israel military operations and manipulating U.S. public opinion.
Directly caused: The pro-Iran network used AI-generated deepfakes to spread conspiracy theories to a global audience, attempting to influence political processes and public opinion.
Indirectly caused: The campaign successfully amplified divisive narratives, with U.S. political commentators resharing and validating the conspiracy theories.
Inferred additional harm: Coordinated foreign state-aligned disinformation campaigns using AI deepfakes pose a significant, ongoing threat to democratic discourse and public trust in democratic institutions.
Reported: The report explicitly notes that the rise in antisemitic content is hurtful and accompanied by threats and harassment.
Indirectly caused: The spread of antisemitic and pro-Nazi propaganda caused distress, fear, and anxiety among Jewish communities targeted by the campaign.
Inferred additional harm: It is inferred that thousands of Jewish individuals experienced heightened anxiety and psychological distress due to the viral spread of antisemitic deepfakes and associated threats.
Reported: The report explicitly details the creation and viral spread of AI-generated fake videos and images designed to deceive the public.
Directly caused: The network spread a fake video showing Trump and other figures with Jeffrey Epstein, which was viewed over 11.5 million times, and fake videos of military conflicts.
Indirectly caused: The viral fakes contributed to the spread of the 'Epstein Fury' conspiracy theory, which was mentioned over 90,000 times on X within three days.
Inferred additional harm: The widespread circulation of highly realistic AI-generated fakes during an active conflict severely degrades the shared information ecosystem, making it difficult for the public to distinguish real events from fabrications.
A coordinated pro-Iran propaganda network utilized AI-generated deepfakes to conduct a high-impact information warfare campaign targeting the US and Israel during active military conflict. The campaign spread viral conspiracy theories and antisemitic content to erode public support for military actions, highlighting the evolving national security threat of AI-enabled disinformation.