McGill study links AI deepfakes to political videos
Nov 12, 2026 · Summarized by Fundy Tech from The Globe and Mail
McGill researchers say more than 3,000 AI deepfake videos drew over 20 million views in three months. The clips used real influencers’ faces and voices to push political content.
Key points
- The network focused on Alberta, B.C., Quebec and trade tensions.
- Researchers identified 293 related accounts.
- Many TikTok accounts were removed after the report was shared.
- Some accounts were registered in China.
Why it matters
Deepfakes can mislead voters and damage trust in online information. Small businesses and households should be careful with political clips that look authentic but may not be real. Check the source before sharing content, especially around elections and referendums.
Who’s affected: TikTok and Instagram users in Canada and the U.S.
What to do
- Verify surprising videos before sharing them.
- Watch for cloned faces or AI voices in political posts.
- Report suspicious deepfakes on platform tools.
Original reporting
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