Terrorist Group Utilizes AI Deepfakes for Propaganda: Tech Times Report

Terrorist groups are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence technology to spread their propaganda, raising concerns among experts about the potential impact of AI-generated content on public opinion. The use of deepfake technology by groups like the Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) in Afghanistan has enabled them to create sophisticated videos featuring AI-generated news anchors and digital personas claiming responsibility for attacks.

Following a deadly attack in Bamiyan province that left four people dead, including three Spanish tourists, ISKP released a video featuring an AI-generated anchor delivering the news in Pashto. The lifelike computerized anchorman resembled locals in Bamiyan, showcasing the group’s ability to produce high-quality propaganda comparable to Hollywood productions.

In another instance, an AI-generated digital male news anchor claimed responsibility for a car explosion in Kandahar, further highlighting the advancement of AI technology in the hands of extremist groups. Despite territorial losses in Syria and Iraq, organizations like IS continue to leverage AI to promote their radical ideologies and recruit new members.

The use of AI technology by terrorist groups is not limited to ISKP, with reports indicating that Hezbollah and Hamas have also utilized AI-generated content to influence public opinion. From AI-generated imagery promoting racist and antisemitic narratives to guides on memetic warfare, the spread of extremist propaganda through AI is a growing concern that requires collaboration between authorities and tech companies to address.

As the threat of AI-generated propaganda evolves, it is crucial for countermeasures to be implemented to combat the dissemination of harmful content online. The role of AI in spreading extremist ideologies underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent the misuse of technology by terrorist organizations.