GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – Someone used artificial intelligence to create a deepfake video of Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele falsely announcing a ban on Christmas lights and decorations.
In a fake video obtained by Local4 News, the AI-generated Steele claims the City Council passed a resolution banning Christmas lights and decorations that can be seen through windows. Deepfakes threaten residents who do not comply with utility power outages.
“Companies that do not follow these guidelines will have their power cut off until January 1st,” the fake video says.
The video resembles Mr. Steele in appearance, but uses a voice that is quite different from the mayor’s. Some residents were initially caught off guard by the deepfake and then realized it was fake.
The city responded to false videos on social media by using humor to combat misinformation.
“The only things Mayor Steele has banned this month (as far as we know!) are Grinch-level misinformation, tangled extension cords, burned out light bulbs, and one inflatable Santa that never stays upright,” the city’s social media post reads. “But your holiday lights are safe. Carry on, Grand Island.”
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