TikTok says it has taken down deepfake videos spreading trade falsehoods

OTTAWA — TikTok has permanently removed accounts linked to a network that utilizes deepfakes to disseminate divisive and false information to Canadians, the platform announced. The decision follows a report published by McGill University’s Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy on Thursday. TikTok also conducted its own investigation, which led to the removal of extra content and accounts violating its policies on deceptive behaviour and misleading AI-generated content.

According to the McGill report, the network employs deepfakes of genuine influencers and features nearly 300 TikTok and Instagram accounts. These accounts have collectively garnered 22.1 million views over the past three months. The report also highlights that many of the videos revolved around the U.S.-Canada trade war, with the most-watched content containing false information. While the individuals behind the network remain unidentified, the report suggests it is almost certainly operated from outside North America.