AI-Generated Disinformation Escalates Before Brazilian Elections

AI-Generated Disinformation Triples in Brazil as Elections Approach

A TikTok video showing a TV anchor warning that a virus “more aggressive than COVID-19” had reached Brazil ahead of Carnaval initially appeared legitimate to Talita Burbulhan during her daily routine. The video, which included text stating “The virus is already in Brazil,” seemed to feature real news footage—but something wasn’t right.

Burbulhan, a fact-checker with Estadão Verifica, quickly discovered the truth: someone had used artificial intelligence to create a hybrid piece of disinformation, combining a fake TV anchor with clips from an authentic broadcast.

“When I searched the original broadcast, there was no information claiming the virus was already in Brazil,” Burbulhan told LatAm Journalism Review. “The real story actually stated there were no cases in Brazil and that the probability of it spreading was low. But the manipulated post only showed the portion where people expressed concerns.”

This type of sophisticated fabrication—blending real and AI-generated content—represents a growing threat to information integrity in Brazil. According to a new report from Observatório Lupa titled “Overview of Disinformation in Brazil,” published in early February, AI-generated fake content has surged by 308% since 2024.

Beatriz Farrugia, one of the report’s primary authors, explained that while AI was primarily used for scams and fraud in 2024, its application shifted dramatically in 2025. “There was a diversification of AI content, covering politics, international affairs, entertainment, and even the environment,” Farrugia said. “One example was an AI-generated image of a fake aurora borealis in Rio de Janeiro.”

The timing of this increase is particularly concerning as Brazil prepares for general elections in October. Researchers from the University of Oslo and Indiana University have already documented how AI-generated content can undermine public knowledge and political discourse.

Fernando Ferreira, a researcher at Netlab at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, emphasized how accessible these tools have become. “Today, anyone can generate text, images, audio or video in seconds using features built into platforms such as search engines, social networks, mobile apps and conversational assistants,” he said. “Technical knowledge and infrastructure are no longer necessary—the barrier to entry has fallen dramatically.”

The sophistication of these deceptions poses significant challenges for detection. Cauê Muraro, executive editor of G1’s Fato ou Fake fact-checking initiative, noted that creators are producing increasingly convincing content, including simulated conversations and fake selfie videos attributing fabricated statements to politicians or public figures.

“This creates a sufficiently realistic scenario, making it difficult for detection tools to identify the use of AI,” Muraro explained.

Even news organizations with dedicated fact-checking units are struggling to keep pace. Natália Leal, who leads fact-checking outlet Agência Lupa, warns that journalists must approach all visual content with heightened skepticism.

“We are living in a time when we need to consider all issues related to AI image generation and AI content generation,” Leal said, suggesting a fundamental shift in journalistic verification practices.

The implications for Brazil’s upcoming electoral campaigns, set to officially begin in August, extend beyond the media sector. The Superior Electoral Court has expressed serious concerns and is considering implementing fines of 30,000 Brazilian Reais (approximately US$5,700) for creating fake news using AI technologies.

However, Farrugia cautions that traditional approaches to combating disinformation may prove ineffective in this new landscape. “Any measures through official or educational communications must recognize that simply issuing a lengthy denial is unlikely to work,” she said. “It will not go viral to the same extent as the original false narrative.”

This highlights the fundamental challenge facing Brazilian institutions: in an information ecosystem accelerated by AI, emotional, sensational content often spreads faster than factual corrections. As the country approaches its electoral season, the battle against AI-enhanced disinformation will require innovative strategies beyond conventional fact-checking approaches.

The trend reflects a global challenge that has particular resonance in Brazil’s politically polarized environment, where social media platforms serve as primary information sources for many voters.