This is a research prototype. The data and analyses are preliminary and not yet validated — we'd welcome your .
Extinction Rebellion Belgium released a deepfake video of Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès to advocate for climate action during the COVID-19 pandemic. The video used machine learning to synthesize the Prime Minister's voice and likeness. This incident highlights the growing accessibility of deepfake technology and its potential to impact political discourse and public trust.
A deepfake video showing the Belgium’s prime minister speaking of an urgent need to tackle the climate crises was released by a climate action group.
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.
Also classified as
The deepfake video generated and spread false information by fabricating a speech from the Prime Minister.
The incident involved the intentional creation and distribution of a political deepfake to influence public opinion and political discourse at scale.
Human
Due to a decision or action made by humans
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed
The incident was caused by humans from Extinction Rebellion who intentionally created and distributed the deepfake video using post-deployment open-source AI tools.
Added categories peak at 2: Minor (Epistemic Harm, Direct)
In April 2020, Extinction Rebellion Belgium released a deepfake video of Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes addressing COVID-19 and the climate crisis. While the incident did not cause physical harm or disrupt government functions, it demonstrates the evolving threat of AI-synthesized media to political communication, public trust, and democratic discourse.
The AI systems DeepFaceLab and Faceswap were used as tools by Extinction Rebellion to perform the specific function of generating a deepfake video based on direct inputs, without autonomous decision-making or planning.
Limited Risk: The report describes the creation of a deepfake, which falls under Risk Level 3 as it requires transparency obligations to ensure users are aware they are interacting with AI-generated content.
The AI systems were used to synthesize the Prime Minister's voice and likeness to create a deepfake video.
The reports clearly detail the creator, the target, the technology used, and the content of the deepfake. The context of the incident and its implications for democratic norms and misinformation are well-documented.
None
Technology
Advanced GAN Algorithms
GANs enable realistic creation of voice and likeness.
Open Source Deepfake Tools
Software like DeepFaceLab allows anyone to create sophisticated deepfakes.
Accessible Cloud Computing
Cloud computing provides the processing power needed to render deepfakes.
Data Inputs
Availability of PM Video Footage
The group used a real address to the nation to train and modify the video.
Human Factors
Intent to Pressure Policymakers
Activists used deepfakes to maintain climate pressure during lockdown.
Susceptibility to Authority
Audiences easily believe fake narratives if presented by authority figures.
Process and Methods
Ineffective Fact Checking
Efforts to correct fake content can accidentally strengthen its spread.
Lack of Deepfake Detection Tools
Platforms lack reliable technology to automatically spot manipulated videos.
Management
Subjectivity of Online Platforms
Platform algorithms put reality at a disadvantage over engaging fakes.
Regulatory Environment
Lack of Global AI Regulation
No global consensus or cross-border ethical agenda exists for political AI.
Absent Platform Standards
Online platforms lack consistent rules banning political deepfakes.
AI system involved
Identified by automated extraction; can differ from the alleged developers above.
