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AI or Reality?

Independent analyses explaining how AI-generated images, videos and other synthetic content can appear real — and how to tell what's genuine from what's generated.

2026
AI or Reality?

Made to Look German: How AI Can Localise Foreign Propaganda

Artificial intelligence is changing how foreign influence operations communicate with audiences abroad. The change isn't limited to fabricated images, videos, or cloned voices. AI can also make it easier to produce political content in another language, adapt it to a local audience, and present it…

AI or Reality?

One Playbook, Several Countries

In August 2026, the German public broadcaster Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) confirmed something unusual. Its staff found fake videos online carrying the MDR logo that MDR never made. The channel's editor-in-chief called it an attack on the credibility of free media.

AI or Reality?

How a Fake Pope Image Fooled the Internet

In March 2023, an unusual photograph of Pope Francis went viral. It showed the Pope wearing a large white puffer jacket, looking more like a fashion model than the head of the Catholic Church. The image looked convincing, even though it was completely fake.

AI or Reality?

All Eyes on Rafah”: When One AI Image Reached 50 million People

How an AI-generated image became a global political message — and what it reveals about the changing nature of political communication Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing political communication in ways that extend far beyond deepfakes and fabricated news. Generative AI is lowering the barriers to…