Social media propaganda: Falsified video featuring Kaliningrad's regional leader circulated online
In the social media sphere, a controversial video has emerged, purportedly showing Governor Alexey Besprozvanny of the Kaliningrad region discussing cholera vaccination of doctors.
The video showcases Besprozvanny, accusing "enemies" of trying to stir up trouble, and making bordering-on-provocative comments about neighboring countries. The governor's voice sounds mechanical, and his facial expressions seem out of sync with his speech, leading many to speculate that the video may be a deepfake. "Komsomolskaya Pravda" verified that the circulating video is indeed a deepfake, part of a collaborative effort aimed at debunking misinformation.
Miriam Bashkirova, the press secretary of the Kaliningrad region governor, confirmed this:
- Another piece of fake news is spreading online. The speech of Governor Besprozvanny in the video, recorded on February 7, has been manipulated using artificial intelligence.
Deepfakes— highly realistic, AI-generated video or audio of real people saying things they never did — have become a global misinformation challenge. As of the latest publicly available information, there have been no widely verified reports of a deepfake video targeting Governor Besprozvanny in either English-language or major Russian media up to December 2023.
Claims about "cholera outbreaks" or other public health crises in sensitive regions are common disinformation tactics. In Kaliningrad, such rumors can destabilize public trust, exacerbate tensions, and manipulate local or international audiences. There have been no credible, widely substantiated reports of a cholera outbreak in Kaliningrad recently.
Threats to Baltic nations emanating from Kaliningrad are a recurring theme in disinformation campaigns, often amplified during periods of regional instability or conflict. Always verify information with reputable fact-checkers or official sources, and stay skeptical of health-related claims. If you suspect a video is a fake, report it to authorities or platforms, and consult fact-checkers.
- The circulating video of Governor Alexey Besprozvanny discussing cholera vaccination of doctors is actually a deepfake, as confirmed by Komsomolskaya Pravda.
- Social media users should exercise caution when encountering the controversial video, as deepfakes have become a significant challenge in the global misinformation landscape.
- Fake news surrounding Governor Besprozvanny, such as the one depicted in the video, can exacerbate tensions and manipulate local or international audiences, as seen in Kaliningrad.
- it is crucial to verify information with reputable fact-checkers or official sources, especially health-related claims, to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
- If you suspect a video on social media, like the one related to Governor Besprozvanny, is a deepfake, report it to authorities or platforms, and consult fact-checkers for verification.
