How shady Facebook profiles are posting positive fake news stories about Nigel Farage

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSocial media platforms are experiencing a surge in fake AI-generated content featuring high-profile figures, such as Nigel Farage, in fabricated positive scenarios designed to 'weaponise empathy' and drive engagement. One widely shared example falsely depicted Reform UK leader Nigel Farage rescuing 47 dogs by purchasing a shelter, while other fabricated stories claimed he donated to homeless centres or saved abandoned baby twins. The charity Full Fact has uncovered approximately 100 such posts, which have collectively garnered over 380,000 reactions, highlighting the widespread impact of these deceptive narratives on social media users. Despite often using UK-centric names, many of the pages responsible for disseminating these misleading posts are managed by profiles primarily located in Vietnam, though there is no suggestion of any affiliation with Reform UK or Mr Farage. Experts caution that accessible AI tools are facilitating the industrial-scale production of 'fictional slop,' underscoring the urgent need for social media companies, including Meta which has removed some accounts, to develop more intelligent methods for identifying AI-generated content. In fullRevealed: The Facebook accounts using AI to promote fake ‘good news’ stories about politiciansThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in