Key facts
- The PP's AI-generated video used deepfakes of the prime minister's wife and former Socialist president.
- The video appeared to show individuals admitting to acts such as soliciting prostitutes and taking kickbacks.
- The video was labeled as AI-generated, but critics argue it risks misleading the public.
- A legal challenge was filed against the PP for defamation and digital identity theft.
- Most legal experts believe the video is not illegal due to its labeling and satirical context.
Spain's conservative People's party (PP) has ignited outrage with a deepfake video of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife and other political figures, just weeks before a general election. The video, disseminated on the PP's social media, used AI to depict individuals admitting to alleged wrongdoings, including Begoña Gómez, the prime minister's wife, discussing her university appointment and former Socialist president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero referencing hidden jewelry. While the video included a disclaimer that it was AI-generated, Spain's digital transformation minister, Óscar López, warned of the risk of public confusion. A former Socialist party member, Leire Díez, has filed a legal complaint for defamation and digital identity theft. However, many legal experts suggest the video may not be illegal due to its satirical context and AI labeling, though its ethical implications are widely debated.