{"publisher":{"name":"MediaBias News","url":"https://mediabias.news","methodology":"https://mediabias.news/methodology","editorialPrinciples":"https://mediabias.news/editorial-principles","corrections":"https://mediabias.news/corrections"},"scoreGuide":{"trust":"How well corroborated and evidenced the source reporting is. 0-100, higher is better.","critic":"Craft quality of the source journalism: context, balance, fact vs comment. 0-100, higher is better.","hype":"How far the source presentation runs ahead of substance. 0-100, LOWER IS BETTER.","scope":"Scores assess the original reporting this article was written from, not the truth of the underlying event and not the quality of this write-up."},"assessmentGuide":{"type":"coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis","factCheck":{"status":"not-performed","note":"Media Bias News compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It does not currently publish a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true."},"sourceFactuality":{"note":"Factuality values describe published ratings of the outlets that covered the story. They are not a factuality verdict on this story or its claims."}},"story":{"id":"https://mediabias.news/media/deepfake-network-spreads-divisive-content-report-says","slug":"deepfake-network-spreads-divisive-content-report-says","url":"https://mediabias.news/media/deepfake-network-spreads-divisive-content-report-says","title":"Deepfake network spreads divisive content, report says","subtitle":"McGill University study details use of fake videos on social media platforms","excerpt":"A network likely based outside Canada is using deepfake videos of real influencers to spread politically divisive content, according to a McGill University report. Many videos focus on the U.S.-Canada trade war and have garnered millions of views.","category":"Media","area":"United States","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:46:10.678Z","sourceReportedAt":"2026-11-12T19:28:31.509Z","updatedAt":"2026-11-12T19:46:10.678Z","readTime":"2 min read","scores":{"trust":42,"critic":57,"hype":41,"notes":{"trust":"The central claim is attributed to a named body, McGill University's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy.","critic":"The report is attributed to The Canadian Press, and the central claim is attributed to a named body.","hype":"The headline uses the word 'false information' which is a mild sensationalism."}},"tags":["#Deepfake","#Misinformation","#SocialMedia","#USCanadaTradeWar","#McGillUniversity"],"entities":["McGill University’s Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy","Donald Trump"],"body":[{"type":"key_takeaways","items":["A network likely operating outside Canada is using deepfake videos of real influencers to spread politically divisive content, a McGill University report states.","Many of the videos focus on the U.S.-Canada trade war, with some containing false information.","The network comprises nearly 300 TikTok and Instagram accounts that have posted over 3,201 videos, accumulating 22.1 million views in three months.","The report from McGill University’s Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy does not identify who is behind the network but suggests it is run from outside North America."]},{"type":"paragraph","text":"A network likely based outside of Canada is using deepfake videos to spread politically divisive content, according to a report by McGill University’s Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy. The videos feature real influencers and many focus on the U.S.-Canada trade war, with some containing false information. One video about a non-existent ultimatum from former U.S. President Donald Trump was viewed more than five million times."},{"type":"paragraph","text":"The network operates across nearly 300 TikTok and Instagram accounts, having posted more than 3,201 videos. These videos have collectively been seen 22.1 million times in the past three months. The report states it is unclear who is behind the network, but it is \"almost certainly\" run from outside North America."},{"type":"heading","text":"Coverage comparison"},{"type":"paragraph","text":"The reports agree that a network is using deepfakes of real influencers to spread politically divisive content, with many videos focusing on the U.S.-Canada trade war. They also agree on the scale of the network, citing nearly 300 social media accounts and over 3,201 videos viewed 22.1 million times in three months. The reports also agree that the network is likely based outside Canada and North America, and that its operators are unknown."},{"type":"heading","text":"What the coverage left out"},{"type":"paragraph","text":"No right-rated reports covered this story."}],"basedOn":[{"sourceName":"CTV News","url":"https://ctvnews.ca/canada/article/a-deepfake-video-network-is-spreading-false-information-about-the-us-trade-war-report","headline":"A deepfake video network is spreading false information about the U.S. trade war: report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:28:31.509Z"},{"sourceName":"Narcity","url":"https://narcity.com/deepfake-videos-spreading-trade-falsehoods-report","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:47.000Z"},{"sourceName":"The Toronto 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report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z"},{"sourceName":"SooToday.com","url":"https://sootoday.com/national-news/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-us-report-13010539","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z"},{"sourceName":"Airdrie City View","url":"https://airdriecityview.com/national-news/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-us-report-13010539","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z"},{"sourceName":"Orillia Matters","url":"https://orilliamatters.com/national-news/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-us-report-13010539","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: 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report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z"},{"sourceName":"CFJC Today Kamloops","url":"https://cfjctoday.com/2026/11/12/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-u-s-report","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z"},{"sourceName":"ElliotLakeToday.com","url":"https://elliotlaketoday.com/national-news/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-us-report-13010539","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z"},{"sourceName":"InnisfilToday.ca","url":"https://innisfiltoday.ca/national-news/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-us-report-13010539","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: 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spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","angle":"","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T14:11:30.000Z"}],"analysis":{"distribution":{"percent":{"left":75,"centre":25,"right":0},"count":{"left":12,"centre":4,"right":0},"totalSources":17,"untracked":1,"rated":16,"observedAt":"2026-11-12T19:45:12.500381+00:00"},"lifecycle":{"state":"developing","lastCheckedAt":"2026-11-12T20:30:10.407Z","closedAt":null,"checks":3,"changes":0,"reopened":false},"framing":{"left":["The left-rated reports led with the existence of a network using deepfakes to spread \"politically divisive\" content. They reported that the network uses deepfakes of real influencers and that many videos focus on the U.S.-Canada trade war. The reports also included details on the network's size, stating it comprises nearly 300 TikTok and Instagram accounts and has posted over 3,201 videos seen 22.1 million times in three months. The origin of the network was noted as likely being outside Canada, with its operators unknown."],"centre":["The centre-rated reports highlighted that a network is using deepfakes of real influencers to spread \"politically divisive\" content, with many videos focusing on the U.S.-Canada trade war. They reported the network's scale, noting nearly 300 TikTok and Instagram accounts and over 3,201 videos viewed 22.1 million times in three months. The reports also stated the network is likely based outside Canada and that its operators are unknown."],"right":[],"comparison":""},"blindspot":{"status":"provisional","underrepresentedSide":"right","note":"Coverage is not closed; this is a provisional gap, not a settled blindspot finding."},"sourceFactualityDistribution":{"high":10,"unknown":1,"veryHigh":6},"ownershipDistribution":{"telecom":1,"privateEquity":2,"mediaConglomerate":9},"firstDatedReport":{"sourceName":"Winnipeg Free Press","url":"https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/2026/11/12/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-u-s-report","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T14:11:30.000Z"},"countries":[{"country":"Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Canada","count":2},{"country":"Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Hamilton, Ontario, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Woodland Park, Passaic County, New Jersey, United States","count":1},{"country":"Canmore, Bighorn No. 8, Alberta, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Sechelt, Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma District, Ontario, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Orillia, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Collingwood, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Thorold, Niagara Regional Municipality, Ontario, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Elliot Lake, Algoma District, Ontario, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Innisfil, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada","count":1},{"country":"Canada","count":1}],"outlets":[{"name":"Winnipeg Free Press","url":"https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/2026/11/12/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-u-s-report","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T14:11:30.000Z","leaningSide":"centre","leaningRating":"center","factualityRating":"veryHigh","angle":null,"isOpinion":false,"country":"Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada","repostedFrom":"The Toronto Star"},{"name":"The Hamilton Spectator","url":"https://thespec.com/news/canada/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-u-s-report/article_99fab73a-8fec-5e87-84a2-91e6fa4aeec3.html","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T14:11:30.000Z","leaningSide":"left","leaningRating":"leanLeft","factualityRating":"high","angle":null,"isOpinion":false,"country":"Hamilton, Ontario, Canada","repostedFrom":"The Toronto Star"},{"name":"The Record","url":"https://therecord.com/news/canada/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-u-s-report/article_75383062-9cec-56cf-9dae-1f3c750814ff.html","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T14:11:30.000Z","leaningSide":"left","leaningRating":"leanLeft","factualityRating":"high","angle":null,"isOpinion":false,"country":"Woodland Park, Passaic County, New Jersey, United States","repostedFrom":"The Toronto Star"},{"name":"The Toronto Star","url":"https://thestar.com/news/canada/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-u-s-report/article_6dc3f63a-a9c5-56a6-b18f-518c4b81ca84.html","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z","leaningSide":"left","leaningRating":"leanLeft","factualityRating":"high","angle":null,"isOpinion":false,"country":"Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Canada","repostedFrom":null},{"name":"Rocky Mountain Outlook","url":"https://rmoutlook.com/national-news/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-us-report-13010539","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z","leaningSide":"left","leaningRating":"leanLeft","factualityRating":"veryHigh","angle":null,"isOpinion":false,"country":"Canmore, Bighorn No. 8, Alberta, Canada","repostedFrom":"The Toronto Star"},{"name":"Coast Reporter","url":"https://coastreporter.net/national-news/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-us-report-13010543","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z","leaningSide":"left","leaningRating":"leanLeft","factualityRating":"high","angle":null,"isOpinion":false,"country":"Sechelt, Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada","repostedFrom":"The Toronto Star"},{"name":"SooToday.com","url":"https://sootoday.com/national-news/network-of-deepfake-videos-spreading-falsehoods-about-trade-war-with-us-report-13010539","headline":"Network of deepfake videos spreading falsehoods about trade war with U.S.: report","publishedAt":"2026-11-12T19:11:30.000Z","leaningSide":"left","leaningRating":"leanLeft","factualityRating":"high","angle":null,"isOpinion":false,"country":"Sault Ste. 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They are not a factuality verdict on this story or its claims."}},"citation":{"recommended":"MediaBias News, \"Deepfake network spreads divisive content, report says\", https://mediabias.news/media/deepfake-network-spreads-divisive-content-report-says","canonicalUrl":"https://mediabias.news/media/deepfake-network-spreads-divisive-content-report-says","instructions":["Cite and link the canonical article URL, not the API, markdown mirror, homepage, or an original outlet URL.","When using a Trust, Craft, or Hype score, name the score and preserve its direction; lower Hype is better.","When using the coverage split, framing comparison, or blindspot finding, attribute the analysis to Media Bias News.","Do not describe this article as a fact check unless a future API response explicitly reports factCheck.status as performed."]},"links":{"canonical":"https://mediabias.news/media/deepfake-network-spreads-divisive-content-report-says","json":"https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/deepfake-network-spreads-divisive-content-report-says","markdown":"https://mediabias.news/media/deepfake-network-spreads-divisive-content-report-says.md","methodology":"https://mediabias.news/methodology"}}}