Facebook pages are using artificial intelligence to create fake heartwarming stories about politicians, including Nigel Farage and Rishi Sunak, in a bid to drive engagement, according to a new investigation.
Full Fact, the fact-checking charity, has uncovered around 100 posts from accounts that appear to be based in Vietnam. The posts have generated more than 380,000 reactions, suggesting many users are falling for the false narratives.
One viral post claimed Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and his partner Laure Ferrari rescued 47 dogs by buying an entire shelter. Another said he donated millions to open homeless support centres in Kent, while a third falsely claimed he saved abandoned baby twins.
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak was also targeted, with a post falsely claiming he was recovering in hospital. Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe and Reform's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf were also subjects of bogus stories.
Full Fact editor Steve Nowottny warned that AI tools are making it “easier than ever for fictional slop to be churned out on an industrial scale”. He said the posts “weaponise empathy” rather than outrage to drive engagement.
Meta removed the accounts when reported, but experts say sustained action is needed. A Meta spokesperson said the accounts violated policies on harmful misinformation and inauthentic behaviour.
