AI-crafted ads flood Victorian election debate, funded by shadowy groups linked to conservatives
AI-generated political ads are being run on social media ahead of Victoria’s election, financed by groups such as Fix Victoria and Better Victoria, whose backers remain undisclosed.
A wave of AI-generated images portraying violent and chaotic scenes is being used in social-media ads less than 100 days before the Victorian election. The ads are produced by two groups—Fix Victoria, created by former senior staff of the conservative think-tank Institute of Public Affairs, and Better Victoria, whose secretary is lawyer Ronald Holzer. Fix Victoria has spent just under $100,000, while Better Victoria has spent about $40,000, outspending many parties on digital advertising.
Because Victorian law only requires disclosure when a group explicitly promotes or opposes a party or candidate, the identities of the donors remain hidden, a loophole highlighted by the Centre for Public Integrity and Transparency International Australia. Both groups claim to be issue-focused and compliant with the Victorian Electoral Act, but critics argue they are effectively proxy campaigners. An advertising executive confirmed their spending topped that of the Liberals, teal independents and One Nation in August.
Why it matters
Undisclosed funding of AI-driven political ads could sway voters without transparency in a key state election.
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