AI Fake Video of Macron 'Coup' Goes Viral, Stumps Meta's Moderators

A fake video claiming a military coup had deposed French President Emmanuel Macron spread rapidly online in December, causing international alarm. The AI-generated clip accumulated millions of views on French-language social media. The fabricated video was so convincing it prompted concern from at least one African head of state. Despite the clear threat to public order, French authorities initially struggled to have it removed. President Macron's own team reportedly could not immediately secure its takedown from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The incident highlights the escalating challenge AI-generated disinformation poses to global platforms and governments.