Russian Disinformation Group Targets James Talarico with Baseless Claim in AI-Generated Video
Fact-checkers said the AI-generated clip used a Russian-linked campaign and a 98% deepfake detection score to falsely accuse James Talarico of misconduct.
- A viral social media video falsely accusing Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico of sexual misconduct is the latest AI deepfake campaign linked to Russian propaganda group Storm-1516, researchers report.
- Clemson University professor Linvill identified the video as a product of Storm-1516, a covert Russian campaign that used similar tactics to attack Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz during the 2024 election.
- NewsGuard reported a 98% likelihood of AI generation, noting unnatural facial expressions, while Graphika found the original account impersonated a real Texas resident who denied making any accusations against Talarico.
- The platform that originally hosted the video suspended the account as of Thursday, Oct. 22, though other users shared it; Talarico spokesperson Ennis called the attack a slanderous attempt to protect a corrupt system.
- Researchers note these campaigns aim to polarize voters and encourage support for candidates like Ken Paxton, as Russia has increased efforts to influence U.S. elections, according to The New York Times.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Russian disinformation group targets James Talarico with baseless claim in AI-generated video
Researchers say a fake video accusing Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico of sexual misconduct is the latest example of Russian groups generating false information to influence U.S. elections.
Covert Russian Group Meddles in Texas Senate Race
“Even as President Trump pursued a thawing of relations with the Kremlin this week, a covert Russian influence operation targeted the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Texas, James Talarico, by spreading a fabricated claim of misconduct,” the New York Times reports. “Several groups of researchers who track Russian disinformation operations attributed the claim […]
Russian operatives likely spread fake videos targeting the Texas Senate race, researchers say
Researchers said the spread of the videos was most likely the work of Storm-1516, a Russian government-backed group previously accused of similar propaganda campaigns.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 96% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
