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Cartels Wage War on Truth Online
25 Feb
Summary
- Cartels use social media for propaganda and to project power.
- AI enables cartels to produce more sophisticated fake news.
- Misinformation campaigns make reporting on violence difficult.
Following the recent killing of cartel leader El Mencho, Mexican organized crime groups launched a significant propaganda campaign across social media. Loyalists retaliated with real-world violence, including roadblocks and arsons, but online, fabricated accounts of spectacular events, such as an airport takeover and widespread destruction, circulated rapidly.
Researchers noted that these false reports, amplified by AI and 'narco influencers,' aimed to exaggerate the cartel's reach and the scale of violence. This strategy seeks to project an image of overwhelming power and undermine the government's authority.
Mexican authorities are actively working to identify and refute the fake news. Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch acknowledged identifying "various accounts" linked to organized crime. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that efforts are underway to counter the "many, many fake news stories."
This sophisticated use of social media, evolving from older tactics like recycled videos, presents a new challenge. It can make it difficult for journalists to verify information and report accurately, particularly in areas already affected by violence.
