Japan consortium developing misinformation-fighting AI model

A Japanese consortium led by Fujitsu alongside the National Institute of Informatics, NEC, multiple universities, and research institutes, is developing the world’s first all-in-one AI-driven system to detect and counter disinformation, including deepfakes. The initiative will combine technologies to analyze manipulated media, assemble evidence in a structured “endorsement graph,” assess authenticity using a specialized Japanese language model, and evaluate the societal reach and impact of false information. The system, integrating insights from cognitive science, social media analysis, and user interface design, aims to be operational by March 2026.

AI-Generated Fake Book List Published by Major Newspapers Sparks Outrage

A major controversy arose when the Chicago Sun-Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer published a summer reading list featuring several non-existent books, including titles like “Outrage and Online Backlash” and “The CEO Speaks: ‘Unacceptable’ Mistake.” The error was traced back to an AI-generated list created by a freelancer, who later issued an apology. The incident has sparked widespread concerns about the reliability of information in the media, especially regarding the use of artificial intelligence, and raised questions about editorial oversight and the growing challenge of “AI hallucinations.”

€2 Billion Scam Network: Fake News Sites and Social Media Ads Fueled a Pan-European Fraud Operation

A coordinated transnational scam network defrauded European citizens, primarily the elderly, through false investment schemes promoted via fake news sites and social media ads. The infrastructure includes over 150 cloned media websites impersonating outlets such as Der Spiegel, The Guardian, and El País, as well as thousands of ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google. Victims were redirected to fraudulent investment pages using AI-generated celebrity videos and manipulated screenshots.

The Scammers Who Conned Savers Out of $35M Using Fake Celebrity Ads

An organized network operating from Georgia has defrauded thousands of individuals across the UK, Europe, and Canada out of $35 million. Utilizing deepfake videos and fabricated news articles featuring celebrities like Martin Lewis, Zoe Ball, and Ben Fogle, the scammers promoted fraudulent cryptocurrency and investment schemes. Despite previous warnings and legal actions against such deceptive advertisements, the operation continued, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating sophisticated online fraud.

Arla Foods Faces Boycott Fueled by Misinformation on Sustainability Efforts

Arla Foods, a Danish-Swedish dairy company, initiated a trial of Bovaer, an additive designed to reduce methane emissions from cows. Despite regulatory approval, misinformation spread on social media, falsely claiming the additive was harmful, leading to consumer boycotts and discarded products.

Fake UK News Sites Spreading False Stories About Western Firms in Ukraine

Fake news websites registered in the UK, resembling trusted British media outlets, have been spreading disinformation about Western companies operating in Ukraine. This is suspected to be part of a Russian propaganda operation aimed at undermining support for Ukraine.