Researchers say Israeli government likely behind AI-generated disinfo campaign in Iran

A coordinated Israeli-backed network of social media accounts pushed anti-government propaganda — including deepfakes and other AI-generated content — to Iranians as real-world kinetic attacks were happening, with the goal of fomenting revolt among the country’s people, according to researchers at Citizen Lab.

In research released last week, the nonprofit — along with Clemson University disinformation researcher Darren Linvill — said the so-called PRISONBREAK campaign was primarily carried out by a network of 50-some accounts on X created in 2023, but was largely dormant until this year.

The group “routinely used” AI-generated imagery and video in their operations to try to stoke unrest among Iran’s population, mimic real news outlets to spread false content and encourage overthrow of the Iranian government.

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