Irish Times AI Scam and Deepfake Election Threat

An AI chatbot wrote an article that became the second most-read on The Irish Times. Later, a deepfake video tried to stop an election.
By Newsroom | Technology, Ireland |

THE IRISH TIMES: SCAMMED BY CHATBOT, LATER GRAPPLES WITH DEEPFAKES

The Irish Times, a prominent Irish newspaper, found itself at the center of a peculiar controversy in May 2023. The publication mistakenly ran an opinion piece that was, in fact, entirely generated by an AI chatbot. This incident, which was partly orchestrated as a prank, highlighted a significant gap in the paper's editorial vetting procedures. The article, penned under the pseudonym "Adriana Acosta-Cortez," claimed that Irish women's use of fake tan constituted "cultural appropriation."

See through local AI lies with Irish eyes - The Register - 1

The AI-generated article became the second-most-read piece on The Irish Times' website before its true origin was discovered and the piece was subsequently removed and apologized for.

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The deception involved an individual submitting an article about fake tans, framed as a critique from an Ecuadorian immigrant living in Dublin. The purported author engaged with the editorial team over several days, incorporating edits and providing seemingly relevant anecdotes and research links. This meticulous staging led the newspaper to believe it was publishing a genuine, albeit provocative, opinion piece. Editor Ruadhan Mac Cormaic issued a statement acknowledging the paper had fallen victim to a "deliberate and coordinated deception" and admitted a need for more robust pre-publication checks.

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More recently, the landscape of digital deception has become even more complex. In October 2025, an AI-generated deepfake video targeting presidential candidate Catherine Connolly emerged. The fabricated footage showed Connolly announcing her withdrawal from the election, an act she condemned as a "disgraceful attempt to mislead voters and undermine our democracy." Connolly lodged a formal complaint with the Electoral Commission, urging for the content's removal and clear labeling as fake.

See through local AI lies with Irish eyes - The Register - 4

BROADER IMPLICATIONS: DISINFORMATION AND THE EROSION OF TRUST

The challenges posed by AI-generated content extend beyond single publication incidents. State accounts have been observed sharing AI-manipulated footage, contributing to widespread disinformation on social media platforms. In March 2026, an oversight board overseeing content moderation for Meta's platforms (Instagram and Facebook) urged the company to enhance its capabilities for identifying AI-generated material. This call came after the board overturned a Meta decision to leave a post on its platform without a high-risk AI label, despite its likely AI origin.

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This escalating issue touches upon the very fabric of public trust. As AI tools become more sophisticated, distinguishing between authentic and fabricated content grows increasingly difficult. The potential for such technologies to disrupt elections, as seen with the Catherine Connolly deepfake, and to sow discord through manipulated media underscores a broader "war on reality," where verifiable truth becomes harder to grasp.

CONTEXT: IRELAND'S ENGAGEMENT WITH AI

Irish news outlets, including The Irish Times, are actively reporting on and engaging with the multifaceted implications of artificial intelligence. Special reports and dedicated tags explore AI's integration into various sectors like education, healthcare, and business. However, this engagement is also accompanied by a clear-eyed recognition of the risks.

Recent discussions and reports highlight concerns regarding:

  • Cybercrime: AI tools are being weaponized by fraudsters and cybercriminals.

  • Job displacement: While AI may create new roles, some jobs, particularly in female-dominated clerical work, are considered vulnerable to automation.

  • Governance and Ethics: Irish organizations are urged to focus on AI governance, training, and ethical deployment to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • Misinformation Hubs: Investigations have pointed to specific online networks, like the "Irish Channel," acting as hubs for misinformation, often aligning with far-right ideologies and leveraging AI fabrications.

The overarching sentiment appears to be one of cautious adoption, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, robust checks, and a vigilant approach to harnessing AI's potential while mitigating its inherent dangers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How was The Irish Times tricked by AI?
In May 2023, an AI chatbot wrote an opinion piece that the newspaper published, thinking it was real. It was later removed after the deception was discovered.
Q: What happened with a deepfake video in Ireland recently?
In October 2025, a fake video of presidential candidate Catherine Connolly was released, showing her withdrawing from the election. She called it a dishonest attempt to fool voters.
Q: Why is AI content a problem for trust and elections?
AI can create fake articles and videos that are hard to spot. This can spread false information, trick people, and make it harder to know what is true, like in the Catherine Connolly case.
Q: What are the bigger worries about AI in Ireland?
People are worried about AI being used for scams and cybercrime. There are also concerns about AI taking jobs and spreading fake news through online groups.
Q: What are news outlets like The Irish Times doing about AI?
They are reporting on AI's risks and benefits. They are also looking into ways to better check content and identify AI-made material to protect trust and stop fake news.