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A pro-Iran propaganda network used AI to create fake videos linking Donald Trump and other leaders to Jeffrey Epstein in order to undermine support for U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran.
Following U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader on February 28, a network of at least 15 anonymous X accounts began spreading AI-generated disinformation to undermine public support for the military operation. The campaign included a fake video purporting to show Donald Trump with blindfolded young girls and Jeffrey Epstein, which was viewed over 6.8 million times on one account (HDX News) and over 4.7 million times on another (GPX News). The video was described as 'a mishmash of imaginary, AI-generated scenes with bits of real footage.' The network also posted antisemitic content, including AI-generated videos of Jewish figures and pro-Nazi material that received thousands of likes and millions of views. Nine of the 15 accounts were verified on X, meaning they paid subscription fees for greater visibility and revenue generation. The accounts promoted pro-Iran messaging, celebrated Iranian strikes, and spread conspiracy theories linking the 'Epstein regime' to the conflict. Both primary accounts posting the fake Epstein video were suspended by X after media inquiry, though other network accounts remained active. The campaign contributed to a broader wave of Iran-related misinformation that engulfed social media platforms following the conflict.
Domain classification, causal taxonomy, severity scores, and national security assessments were LLM-classified and may contain errors.
Using AI systems to conduct large-scale disinformation campaigns, malicious surveillance, or targeted and sophisticated automated censorship and propaganda, with the aim of manipulating political processes, public opinion, and behavior.
AI system
Due to a decision or action made by an AI system
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed
