AI‑generated deep‑fake video fuels legal debate as PSOE studies options and election rhetoric sharpens
The Partido Popular uploaded an AI‑generated deep‑fake video featuring former socialist officials to its official accounts, noting the content was generated by artificial intelligence. The PSOE said it is studying legal options in response, accusing the PP of trying to mislead voters. In a recent address at the historic Ferraz street PSOE office, Pedro Sánchez framed the upcoming election as a choice between advancing recent gains and reverting to outdated approaches, stressing affordable‑housing regulation, minimum‑wage hikes and pension protection.
The PSOE has moved from a defensive stance to an offensive campaign, highlighted by a visit from Argentine President Javier Milei and the distribution of campaign merchandise. The PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, is described as anxious about repeating past mistakes and reluctant to propose any pre‑electoral pact, while Vox is enjoying its strongest mobilisation in fifteen years.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 5h later
- The two sides describe this in almost entirely different words
Why it matters
The dispute over AI‑created political content raises questions about misinformation, legal protections and the tone of Spain’s election campaign.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps note the AI-generated video as a controversy, but left-leaning coverage frames it as absurd propaganda by the PP, centrist coverage treats it as a broader pre-election dispute, while right-leaning coverage emphasizes the legal fallout and accusations of defamation.
LEFT
Frames the AI video as a sham propaganda tool by the PP, highlighting its absurdity and manipulation of reality
CENTER
Places the AI video within the wider election-campaign clash, noting it sparked controversy and legal complaints
RIGHT
Portrays the AI video as a serious legal scandal, stressing the lawsuit and accusations of defamation against the PP
The left emphasises
- adulterar la realidad
- recurso más para el Partido Popular
- video del PP... hecho con inteligencia artificial
The right emphasises
- Leire Díez se querella contra el PP
- acusa de contratar matones
- defensa aprecia delitos de calumnias
How this story developed
- Oct 15 PSOE internal analysis says unified left list could secure Senate absolute majority
- Oct 18 The PP chief used a Barcelona gathering to boost its prospects in the province that supplies the most seats in the upcoming vote. Vox sent Carlos Hernández Quero to EsRadio and euro-deputy Jorge Buxadé to a press conference in Sevilla. Meanwhile, civil groups such as PararLaGuerra launched a campaign in Madrid to bring Netanyahu before the International Criminal Court, and minister Ángel Víctor Torres appeared on a televised interview. The day also featured commentary on language policy, social media influence, and the pending Supreme Court ruling on the ‘grandchildren law’ voting rights.
- Oct 23 The deep-fake video, featuring Begoña Gómez, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and Santos Cerdán, was posted by the PP and labeled as AI-generated. The PSOE says it may sue, while the PP claims the clip is satirical. Legal scholars note broad protection for political speech in Spanish and European law but warn about potential violations of honor, image rights and electoral manipulation. The episode also brings attention to pending legislation regulating AI-created media.
- Oct 23 Feijóo publicly declared he will pursue government formation even without his party winning the most votes.
- Oct 25 The PSOE announced it is studying legal options over the PP’s AI‑generated video.
- Oct 25 Feijóo disclosed a meeting with Abascal to discuss a Senate power‑share deal.
- Oct 25 Feijóo gathered PP list leaders in Salamanca as negotiations on a joint Senate list with Vox continued.
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