FThe fake images, created using generative artificial intelligence techniques, aim to stoke fears of a migrant “invasion” among leaders like Emmanuel Macron and far-right parties in Western Europe. This political weaponization is a growing concern.
Experts point to this year’s European Parliament elections as the starting point for the far right in Europe to deploy AI-based electoral campaigns, which have since continued to expand.
Recently, anti-immigrant content on Facebook came under scrutiny by Mark Zuckerberg’s independent oversight board as it launched an investigation. German accounts featuring AI-generated images with anti-immigration rhetoric will be examined by the supervisory board.
AI-generated right-wing content is on the rise on social media platforms in Europe. Posts from extremist groups depict disturbing images, like women and children eating insects, perpetuating conspiracy theories about “global elites.”
The consistent use of AI-generated images with no identifying marks by far-right parties and movements across the EU and UK suggests a coordinated effort in spreading their message.
According to Salvatore Romano, head of research at AI Forensics, the AI content being shared publicly is just the beginning, with more concerning material circulating in private and official channels.
William Alcorn, a senior research fellow, notes that the accessibility of AI models appeals to fringe political groups seeking to exploit new technologies for their agendas.
Some of the AI-generated images posted on X by the L’Europe Sans Eux account. Illustration: @LEuropeSansEux
AI technology makes content creation accessible without coding skills, which has normalized far-right views. Mainstream parties remain cautious about using AI in campaigning, while extremists exploit it without ethical concerns.
Germany
Supporters of Germany’s far-right party AfD use AI image generators to promote anti-immigration messages. Meta’s content moderation committee reviewed an image showing anti-immigrant sentiments against a blonde, blue-eyed woman.
AI-powered campaign ads by AfD’s Brandenburg branch contrast an idealized Germany with scenes of veiled women and LGBTQ+ flags. Reality Defender, a deepfake detection firm, highlighted the speed at which such images can be generated.
Source: www.theguardian.com
