bloomshorts AI Fabrications Spread Junta Leader’s Cult
Artificial intelligence has been weaponized to create fake endorsements from global celebrities for Burkina Faso’s junta chief, Captain Ibrahim Traore. These videos, part of a disinformation campaign, aim to bolster Traore’s image amid regional instability.
Celebrity Voices Hijacked
From R. Kelly to Beyoncé, the faces and voices of celebrities have been manipulated to sing praises of Traore, despite many being unaware or, in Kelly’s case, incarcerated. These videos have gone viral, amassing millions of views across West African social media platforms.
Regional Instability and Digital Propaganda
Amid a wave of coups and jihadist threats in West Africa, these AI-generated videos serve as tools for propaganda, attempting to legitimize Traore’s rule and influence neighboring countries. Experts warn of the dangers posed by such digital manipulation in already volatile regions.
