Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp has removed AI-generated ‘deepfake’ videos spreading false information about the presidential election.<\/p>\n
One of the videos had the appearance of an RT\u00c9 News report on a false claim that Independent candidate Catherine Connolly was withdrawing from the presidential race.<\/p>\n
The video appears to have originated from a Facebook account called ‘RT\u00c9 News AI’.<\/p>\n
Another post from the account included false news coverage about the high number of spoilt votes being cast on election day.<\/p>\n
The account and the videos have now been removed from Facebook but the content is still available on X.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
An Coimisi\u00fan Toghch\u00e1in said it became aware of the video yesterday evening and escalated the issue immediately using pre-agreed communications channels with platforms.<\/p>\n
The commission urged voters to ask themselves certain questions when considering information.<\/p>\n
“As always during election periods we continue to emphasise our longstanding message to voters to ask themselves when considering any information.<\/p>\n
“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?”<\/p>\n
Meta has been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n
The media regulator, Coimisi\u00fan na Me\u00e1n has also been asked if it is investigating the matter.<\/p>\n
Deepfake videos use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate realistic images and sounds.<\/p>\n