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In a disturbing turn of events, artificial intelligence (AI) and social media bots have been implicated in the recent surge of far-right violence in the UK. Just hours after a tragic stabbing attack in Southport, an AI-generated image circulated on X (formerly Twitter) by the account “Europe Invasion” depicted men in traditional Muslim attire outside the Houses of Parliament, one brandishing a knife behind a crying child in a Union Jack T-shirt. The image, viewed over 900,000 times, was captioned, “We must protect our children!” and quickly became a viral piece of misinformation.
AI Technologies Amplify Far-Right Propaganda
AI’s role in these events extends beyond image generation. An anti-immigration Facebook group utilized AI to create an image of a rally in Middlesbrough, while platforms like Suno have been used to produce xenophobic songs. One such track, “Southport Saga,” includes inflammatory lyrics that incite violence.
Experts warn that these technological tools have provided the fractured far-right in Britain with a new means to unify and amplify their message. More than 10 protests have been promoted on platforms like X, TikTok, and Facebook, resulting in a wave of far-right mobilization not seen since the English Defence League (EDL) took to the streets in the 2010s.
The Role of AI in Far-Right Mobilization
Andrew Rogoyski, Director at the Institute for People-Centred AI at the University of Surrey, expressed concern over the accessibility of AI tools capable of generating powerful imagery. “The ability for anyone to create such imagery using generative AI is of tremendous concern. The onus is on AI model providers to strengthen built-in guardrails to make it harder to create harmful content,” he stated.
Joe Mulhall, Director of Research at Hope Not Hate, noted the nascent yet growing use of AI-generated material in far-right circles. He highlighted the role of individuals and groups who, though not officially affiliated, collaborate online to further common political goals.
Social Media and Disinformation
The hashtag #enoughisenough has been repurposed by right-wing influencers to promote anti-migrant and xenophobic sentiments. Joe Ondrak, Senior Analyst at Logically, emphasized how this phrase has been historically associated with anti-migrant activism.
Tech Against Terrorism, an initiative by the UN, identified a TikTok account that only began posting content after the Southport attack. Within hours, posts calling for protests amassed over 57,000 views, suggesting the use of bot networks to amplify the message.
Key Figures and Groups
Prominent far-right figures like Tommy Robinson and Laurence Fox have been pivotal in spreading misinformation. Robinson, who fled abroad before a recent court hearing, continues to be a central figure, while Fox has been active in disseminating false information.
On platforms like Telegram, largely unmoderated, extreme comments have been rampant. One such channel, Unity News Network (UNN), saw users celebrating violence and calling for the execution of public figures.
A Fractured Yet Mobilized Far-Right
Patriotic Alternative, one of the fastest-growing far-right groups, has been visibly active during these riots. Other groups, divided over issues like the war in Ukraine, are also seeking to exploit this volatile situation.
Dr. Tim Squirrell from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue pointed out that the far-right has been attempting to mobilize on the streets for over a year. He warned that the current environment, exacerbated by the poor state of online information, could lead to a resurgence of street mobilizations reminiscent of the 2010s.
Conclusion
The intersection of AI technology and far-right extremism presents a new challenge for counter-extremism efforts. The ease with which AI tools can generate powerful and inflammatory content necessitates stronger regulatory measures and enhanced guardrails to prevent misuse. As the far-right continues to exploit these technologies, the need for vigilant monitoring and robust countermeasures becomes ever more critical.
Source: The Guardian
