AI-generative deepfake content used as information war in the post-truth era
Kawaljit Singh · International Journal of Advanced Mass Communication and Journalism · 2025
In the “Post-Truth Era”, the decline of factual information in news is accompanied by an increase in fake news, which influences public opinion among citizens. With the help of Artificial intelligence, deepfake content can be produced very easily and used as a form of information warfare. AI generative information can influence and disrupt the enemy's decision-making process. In 2003, China developed 2003 a new approach to strategic warfare that focused on manipulating public opinion, using psychological tactics, and leveraging legal strategies. Psychological warfare is crucial for undermining the enemy's morale through rumours and false narratives. Russia also used deepfake videos as evidence against Ukraine and claimed that Ukraine is committing genocide against civilians. Deepfakes were employed online in which Zelensky stated that the war had ended and advised military personnel to lay down their arms. Numerous deepfake videos depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin in a state of surrender began to circulate. The United Kingdom and the USA also referred to deepfake videos they claiming that enemy nations are disrupting political and economic systems by manipulating generative deepfake information as a strategic way to put the desired psychological impact on the target population. Russia has been accused of utilising AI-generated deepfakes in the 2016 U.S. election to destabilise the political system. The recent scenes from the Israel-Hamas conflict have powerfully and tragically showcased the alarming potential of artificial intelligence as a propaganda tool. Strikingly lifelike, digitally manipulated images created by AI have flooded social media platforms, fuelling misinformation and distorting reality. In India, during the 2024 elections, AI-generative videos of already dead politicians Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi were used to influence public opinion. The rise of AI-generated deepfakes is a significant concern among democratic nations. This erosion of confidence is troubling because a trustworthy media landscape is crucial for democracy, enabling informed decision-making and open discourse among citizens.