Macron Condemns Viral AI-Generated Fake Coup Video as Facebook Refuses Removal

French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced strong concerns over the circulation of a fake video on Facebook depicting a coup d'état in France. The AI-generated footage, which falsely claims that a colonel has seized power, has been viewed more than 13 million times, raising alarms about misinformation and its potential impact on France's political stability.

During a public meeting with readers of La Provence in Marseille on December 16, Macron revealed that he was alerted to the video’s existence by a colleague from Africa who expressed worry over the situation. The president described the situation as deeply troubling, saying, "These people mock us. They mock the sovereignty of democracies and therefore put us in danger."

Macron contacted France’s Pharos platform, tasked with monitoring online reports, to request Facebook to take down the video. However, Facebook responded that the content did not violate their usage policies and refused to remove it, prompting further frustration from the president.

The Élysée Palace has not yet identified the creators or origins of the video. Macron also highlighted concerns about the broader risk of foreign interference and manipulation, especially with upcoming municipal elections scheduled for March and the presidential election in 2027.

This incident underscores rising tensions around AI-generated misinformation and social media platforms’ moderation policies, as Macron emphasized the dangers such content poses to democracy and public trust in France.

As the investigation continues, the French government faces growing pressure to address the challenges posed by rapidly evolving digital misinformation tactics.