A new report has uncovered a network of AI-generated TikTok accounts impersonating rabbis in order to disseminate antisemitic propaganda.
Researchers at the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s Antisemitism Research Center (ARC) identified 49 fake accounts posing as rabbis. Collectively, the accounts have amassed more than 950,000 followers and over ten million ‘likes’.
ARC analysed 24 videos published by four of the accounts and concluded that they formed part of a coordinated effort to normalise and amplify antisemitic narratives.
This included material which legitimised antisemitic conspiracy theories through the use of seemingly authoritative rabbinic figures, such as videos falsely claiming Jewish control over various industries. It also reinforced historic antisemitic stereotypes, repackaging medieval libels portraying Jews as manipulative and deceitful.
ARC described the findings as “an organised effort to launder antisemitic ideas into mainstream discourse, as opposed to organic or coincidental content creation.”
The same organisation previously conducted a similar investigation into accounts featuring AI-generated rabbis on Instagram, one of which boasted 1.5 million followers. Following the publication of its findings, the organisation worked with Instagram parent company Meta to limit the spread of these accounts on its platform.
Artificial Intelligence, combined with social media, is yet another weapon in the arsenal of antisemites.
TikTok and other social media platforms must ensure that advances in AI are matched by equally robust safeguards, preventing their services from becoming vehicles for the circulation and legitimisation of racist content.
