Spain's main opposition party posts fake AI videos of rivals

Spain's main opposition party, the conservative People's party (PP), posted a video this week that uses AI to make rivals appear to admit to crimes. None of it is real. The clip drew nearly 2 million views by Friday. A small note at the bottom says it was made with AI, but it is in tiny, nearly transparent type.

What the video shows

The video uses AI copies, often called deepfakes, of people linked to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialist party. They seem to admit to things like soliciting prostitutes and taking kickbacks. A fake version of Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, talks about getting a university post thanks to her husband's job. A fake of former president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero talks about hiding jewellery in a safe. Both lines nod to ongoing investigations. Gómez and Zapatero have denied any wrongdoing.

The reaction

Óscar López, Spain's digital transformation minister, called it a colossal lie and said it is very easy for anyone not used to AI to confuse it with reality. Leire Díez, a former Socialist party member whose likeness was used, filed a court complaint. She reportedly accuses the PP of defamation and digital identity theft, and wants the ad taken down.

The PP has brushed off the criticism. Party figure Borja Sémper said there would be a problem only if the aim were to make people believe the characters are real. He said everyone can see it is a way to highlight Socialist hypocrisy.

Is it legal?

Most of nine legal experts consulted by El País said it was not illegal, because it was labeled as AI and had a tone of political satire. Even so, criminal law professor Juan Antonio Lascuraín said legality is one question and whether it is appropriate or ethical is another. Researcher José Javier Olivas called it a red line and said it qualifies as disinformation.

Not only Spain

The issue is also live in the US ahead of next month's midterms. A Wesleyan University research group found more than 200 ads using AI, the vast majority tied to Republicans. It said much AI use is not disclosed. Spain votes on 29 November, and polls suggest the PP will win but need the far-right Vox party to govern.

What to do

• Check who posted a clip, and whether trusted news outlets are reporting it.
• Look for small AI labels, often at the bottom or in the caption.
• Pause before sharing a shocking video of a real person.