Spain opposition deepfake video sparks outrage, prompts legal challenge ahead of election
Video depicts alleged admissions
The political advert features AI-generated versions of Gómez and Zapatero. Gómez’s likeness speaks about receiving a university position through her husband, while Zapatero’s refers to hiding jewellery in a safe.
The scenes allude to ongoing investigations. Gómez and Zapatero have denied wrongdoing, and the video also uses the likeness of former Socialist party member Leire Díez to suggest allegations against her.
Socialists condemn the advert
By Friday, the video had attracted nearly 2 million views. Óscar López, Spain’s digital transformation minister, criticised its appearance on the PP’s official accounts in comments to broadcaster TVE. López said the video told a “colossal lie” and called its publication by the party intolerable.
Legal and ethical concerns
Díez filed a legal challenge against the PP on Friday, seeking the advert’s immediate removal. Her court complaint reportedly accused the party of defamation and digital identity theft.
Juan Antonio Lascuraín, a criminal law professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid, said the legal question was separate from whether the video was ethically or politically appropriate. José Javier Olivas, an associate professor researching populism, conspiracy theories and AI biases, called the use of deepfakes regrettable and described putting unsaid words into people’s mouths as disinformation.
Election and wider AI debate
The dispute comes as Spain prepares for a general election next month, in a deeply polarised political climate. Most polls indicate the PP will win the 29 November election but will need support from the far-right Vox party to form a government.
Erika Franklin Fowler, co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, said AI was playing a major role in US midterm campaigning this year. Her project identified less than $50,000 in spending on AI-generated ads in the 2024 cycle, and she said much AI use is not disclosed through disclaimers.
Key points
- The PP’s campaign video used AI-generated likenesses of people linked to Sánchez’s Socialist party.
- The footage had nearly 2 million views by Friday and drew criticism from a government minister.
- Leire Díez filed a legal challenge accusing the PP of defamation and digital identity theft.
- Most polls suggest the PP will need Vox’s support to form a government after the 29 November election.