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Foreign-Run Disinformation Campaign Spreads False Claims About Bondi Beach Terror Attack
A network of foreign-operated Facebook pages has been spreading fabricated claims about the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, according to an investigation by AAP FactCheck. The pages, run from Vietnam, have published numerous AI-generated articles containing false quotes and inflammatory content aimed at exacerbating social tensions in Australia.
The disinformation campaign emerged in the wake of Sunday’s devastating attack, which authorities have declared a terrorist incident and in which at least 15 people were killed. The fake news articles primarily focus on fabricated statements attributed to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
One particularly egregious claim suggested Senator Hanson threatened to strip citizenship from millions of Muslim Australians following the attack, with a fabricated quote stating: “After the Bondi attack, we no longer trust any Muslim.” AAP FactCheck has confirmed these quotes are entirely false.
While Senator Hanson did make public comments about the attack on Brisbane’s 4BC Radio on Monday, she did not call for Muslims to be stripped of citizenship. During that interview, Hanson criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese but explicitly stated she was not “targeting Muslims in general.”
Another false narrative being pushed claims Senator Hanson delivered a “15-word statement” in front of Parliament linking the attack to the return of so-called “ISIS brides” to Australia. The fabricated post claimed Hanson took “the microphone and delivered a 15-WORD STATEMENT WARNING aimed at Albanese, leaving all MPs FROZEN.”
This claim is demonstrably false, as Parliament is not currently sitting and will not return until 2026. Senator Hanson has made no such public address linking the return of ISIS fighters’ families to the Bondi attack.
The disinformation network includes at least one Facebook page called “Swim Aquatics,” which has posted multiple times about the Bondi shootings within 24 hours of the incident. Each post links to external websites hosting AI-generated content riddled with factual errors.
In one revealing instance, the article creators failed to remove instructions from an AI chatbot that offered to: “Make it more dramatic or more neutral; Rewrite it in tabloid style or mainstream media style; Adjust it to sound like Australian, US, or UK media; Change the headline or add quotes.”
Additional fabricated claims include a story that Prime Minister Albanese held an “emergency press conference” where he allegedly broke down in tears and apologized for his immigration policies. The article quotes Albanese as saying: “I thought I was doing the right thing… But if this has put Australians in danger—if Jewish Australians are living in fear because of decisions I made—I apologise.” This statement is entirely fabricated.
This is not the first time these Vietnamese-operated pages have spread disinformation about Australian politicians. AAP FactCheck reports they have repeatedly debunked false claims from these same sources.
The spread of such disinformation following tragic events like the Bondi Beach attack represents a growing challenge for social media platforms and fact-checkers. These fabricated narratives are designed to inflame existing social and political tensions at a time when communities are most vulnerable.
While authorities continue to investigate the Bondi Beach attack, experts warn that foreign disinformation campaigns exploit tragedies to sow division and undermine social cohesion. Users are encouraged to verify information through reliable news sources before sharing content, particularly during sensitive times of national crisis.
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10 Comments
It’s deeply concerning to see foreign-operated pages spreading fabricated content related to this tragic event. We need to prioritize fact-checking and responsible reporting to counter these divisive tactics.
Absolutely. Disinformation can have serious real-world consequences, especially when it comes to terrorism and national security. Maintaining public trust is crucial during crises.
It’s disappointing to see opportunistic actors try to exploit a tragic situation for their own agenda. We should focus on the facts and avoid getting drawn into divisive narratives.
Absolutely. Maintaining social cohesion is so important, especially in the wake of a terror attack. Fact-based reporting and measured responses are the best way forward.
While the Bondi Beach attack was undoubtedly tragic, fabricated quotes and inflammatory content are the wrong way to respond. We need to rely on official sources and avoid getting pulled into divisive narratives.
Agreed. Disinformation erodes public trust and can escalate tensions. It’s crucial that we focus on the facts and work towards unity, not division.
The use of AI-generated articles to spread false claims is a worrying tactic. We must be vigilant in identifying and combating disinformation, especially around sensitive events like this terrorist attack.
This disinformation campaign is extremely concerning. We must be vigilant in verifying information, especially around sensitive topics like terrorism and immigration. Spreading false claims can have serious consequences.
This is a concerning development. Foreign actors spreading disinformation and fabricated quotes is extremely troubling. We need to be vigilant about fact-checking claims, especially in the aftermath of tragic events.
Agreed. Spreading false information during a crisis can exacerbate tensions and undermine public trust. Responsible journalism and media literacy are crucial to combat these tactics.