AI creates fake videos with female journalists on TikTok: investigation of mass manipulation

According to glavcom.ua: Ukrainian female journalists are increasingly coming under fire from digital manipulation on TikTok. Their images and voices are used to create fake videos using artificial intelligence, reports the publication 'Glavcom' referring to an investigation by Texty.org.ua.

The difference in people's moods across various social networks can be explained by their age and views. Older Facebook users are more conservative, while the youth actively using Threads are more favorable towards artificial intelligence. This context explains the difference in user reactions to videos on TikTok.

From August 1 to September 30, 2025, researchers analyzed TikTok videos featuring female journalists using a 'snowball' technique. Over 24 million views were found for fake videos using the voices and images of well-known women. For example, the image of TV presenter Solomiya Vitvitska ('1+1') is actively used on TikTok, which has raised concerns among researchers.

'And we were surprised that the image of the presenter is actively used on TikTok and not always for good intentions. We found 100 videos in which virtual Vitvitska speaks and acts thanks to AI algorithms...'

Ukrainian female journalists are becoming 'digital avatars' as their images are used for manipulation. Manipulators use trust in journalists as a tool for influence, turning technological curiosities into a form of online violence.

The identified videos with audio and video manipulations confirm that artificial intelligence is being used to create or alter videos featuring female journalists. This increases the risk of misinformation and influence on public opinion through fake news.

Digital manipulations on TikTok are becoming an increasingly common phenomenon that affects journalists and their public trust. Videos with fake images of female journalists can have a serious impact on user opinions and the spread of misinformation. This is an issue that requires attention and measures to combat online.