Women Press Freedom notes worrying trend of deepfake audio and video of journalists, sophisticated attacks aimed at undermining press credibility

Location: Germany, Dresden

Date: February 26, 2024

Women Press Freedom vehemently denounces the recent deepfake audio featuring Susanne Daubner, Jens Riewa, and other Tagesschau journalists during a demonstration in Dresden, Germany, on February 26, 2024. These sophisticated AI-generated audios, falsely portraying journalists apologizing for alleged misinformation in their reporting, mark a dangerous escalation in the efforts to undermine press credibility and manipulate public opinion. We are alarmed by the increasing use of AI technology to execute such attacks against journalists, a trend that threatens the very core of press freedom. Previous incidents, like the manipulated audio of Slovakian journalist Monika Tódová, highlight the growing sophistication and believability of these attacks, making it imperative for authorities to act decisively. We commend the swift initiation of an investigation by the State Security Service and the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office. However, we urge a comprehensive approach to not only pursue and prosecute those behind these malicious acts but also call on authorities to implement preventive measures. It is crucial for legal frameworks to be adapted and strengthened to combat the misuse of AI technology in spreading disinformation and targeting journalists.

LATEST VIOLATIONS

On February 26, 2024, during Monday demonstrations in Dresden, fake AI-generated audio clips from the Tagesschau news program were played. These recordings contained false apologies purportedly from Tagesschau presenters for alleged "lies”  and "deliberate manipulations" in their reports for the ARD broadcasting network. The audios addressed various topics, including the Ukraine conflict, the Covid-19 pandemic, and protests. They were played at a demonstration on Wilsdruffer Street, where thousands of people gathered for so-called Monday Demonstrations to protest government policies. 

The Tagesschau news program quickly denied involvement, stating that its official jingle had been manipulated to create the false impression that the recordings featured Tagesschau presenters Susanne Daubner and Jens Riewa.

The fake audio recordings included statements such as "We have been brazenly lying to your face for over three years," and apologies on behalf of public broadcasting for "one-sided reporting and conscious manipulation, especially for the denunciation of our fellow human beings."

Marcus Bornheim, editor-in-chief of the Tagesschau program, condemned the fake audio files. He described it as absurd that those who criticize the press as "the lying press" would deliberately spread disinformation. Bornheim warned that such actions can damage the free and democratic basic order.

The Monday demonstrations in Germany, particularly in east Germany are marked by a significant sense of dissatisfaction with government policies and a perceived lack of representation of the people's interests. While these protests have been associated primarily with right-wing elements, not all participants hold extreme views. The primary reasons cited for participating in the demonstrations include criticism of Germany's response to the war in Ukraine, dissatisfaction with COVID-19 policies, and concerns about energy policy.

The State Security Service and the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office are currently investigating the use of the deepfakes. The police have reported that the demonstrators have been banned from playing the fake audio again.

The use of AI-generated audio to spread false information during demonstrations represents a significant threat to press freedom and democratic principles. Women Press Freedom has documented rising violations using AI deepfakes targeting journalists in recent months. Deepfake audio manipulations are particularly worrying, as they can be sophisticated and believable. In September 2023, acclaimed Slovakian journalist Monika Tódová’s voice was manipulated in a fake interview with a candidate running for election. The interview, spread online the day before the election, purported to present the journalist and the candidate discussing vote-buying tactics. The clip spread widely on Facebook, and the social media company did not remove the audio from its platform as it did not violate its policies.

Women Press Freedom denounces the attacks against Susanne Daubner and Tagesschau journalists. This deepfake audio purporting to show German journalists admitting to lying aims to undermine the credibility of reputable news sources and manipulate public opinion. Authorities must thoroughly investigate and take appropriate legal action to hold the perpetrators accountable. Measures should be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future and safeguard the integrity of journalism. Failure to address this growing concern of deepfakes targeting journalists and public figures effectively will lead to a proliferation of these attacks, making all citizens vulnerable to AI-generated attacks.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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