Amid the misinformation campaigns that have plagued the internet targeting France, the International Olympic Committee, and the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris this summer, the situation has reached global celebrities. A video has surfaced showing Hollywood star Tom Cruise questioning the Paris Olympics. This fake video, created using #artificial_intelligence, features #Tom_Cruise expressing doubts about the #Paris_Olympics. Microsoft has accused a group linked to the #Kremlin of fabricating the Hollywood star's speech.
In the video, the star criticizes the International Olympic Committee, which is sponsoring the event, as well as Paris's ability to host it. While the clip spread rapidly across social media, it was revealed to be fake. It was also clear that it was developed using artificial intelligence, where the publisher used the star's voice and integrated it into the video.
In light of this confusion, Microsoft has accused a network of organizations linked to Russia of running "malicious influence campaigns" against France, President Emmanuel Macron, the International Olympic Committee, and the Paris Games, less than 80 days before the event. They added that Russia has been barred from participating in the 2024 Olympic Games, although a small number of Russian athletes may compete as neutrals.
Regarding the video, Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center stated that it clearly indicates the creators of the content invested significant time into the project and demonstrated greater skill than most influence campaigns that are typically observed.
