Alarming AI ads are flooding social media in the lead-up to Victoria’s election. But who is behind them?
Summary
Groups using AI-generated images are running expensive social media ad campaigns in the lead-up to Victoria’s election. These groups, including Fix Victoria and Better Victoria, focus on issues like crime, debt, and public services but do not officially disclose their political ties or funding sources due to local electoral law loopholes.Key Facts
- AI-generated ads show dramatic scenes like violence, potholes blocking emergency services, and floods representing debt.
- Fix Victoria spent up to $100,000 on these ads in August, more than many political parties.
- Fix Victoria was registered in August by Deborah Henderson, formerly deputy executive director of a conservative think tank, the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA).
- Several Fix Victoria leaders previously held senior roles at the IPA, criticizing Labor governments.
- Fix Victoria claims to be “issues-driven” focusing on crime, corruption, and debt.
- Some Fix Victoria leaders have indicated support for the Liberal party, though the group denies direct political affiliation.
- Victoria’s electoral laws do not require many political ad publishers to register or disclose funding if they don’t specifically support or oppose a party or candidate.
- Experts say these law gaps may prevent voters from knowing who funds these political ads.
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