Burkinabe Teen Creates Viral Fake Coup Video, Sparks Outrage

A teenager from Burkina Faso has gained notoriety after creating a viral video that falsely claimed a coup was occurring in France. The 17-year-old used artificial intelligence to produce the misleading content, which quickly amassed over 12 million views on social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his frustration regarding the video, which sparked discussions about misinformation online.

The teenager’s video, posted on December 9, 2023, featured fabricated scenes of journalists reporting on a supposed takeover by an unidentified colonel. It also included images of the Eiffel Tower and flashing police lights. “Demonstrators have gathered to support the colonel who seems to have taken power yesterday,” the fake reporters declared. Despite its alarming premise, the content was entirely fictional, crafted from the teenager’s training in AI video generation.

Initially, the teenager aimed to profit from his videos through advertising. However, he reported that the venture only earned him seven euros. In a conversation with AFP, he revealed that he had begun exploring AI video creation after discovering a YouTube training course last year, but it was not until October 2023 that he actively started producing content.

The unexpected attention from French media surprised him. He chuckled at the chaos he had caused in a video shared on his Facebook page. Although he enjoys a stable life and his parents provide well for him, the teenager expressed a desire for financial independence. He noted, “I eat, I can get to school, my parents take good care of me, thank God,” but he wanted to explore opportunities to earn more.

His pursuit of online fame led him to AI-generated fake news, which he found attracted significant traffic. “I haven’t yet made a lot of money that way,” he admitted. His Facebook page was not yet monetized, though he had made a small amount from TikTok. Despite the general monetization restrictions for African creators, he found ways to generate income through his content.

The viral video, while not financially lucrative, has provided him with opportunities to promote his online training services in AI content creation. Since the video gained traction, he has received interest from several individuals seeking guidance. For one hour of coaching, he charges 7,000 CFA francs (approximately 10 euros).

Disinformation has been a significant issue in France, particularly concerning narratives surrounding the Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The teenager’s video came at a time when the relationship between France and these countries has soured, especially following a series of military coups. Burkina Faso’s junta has effectively utilized AI-generated propaganda to spread their messages online, sometimes featuring fabricated endorsements from celebrities.

Although the teenager stated that his motivations were not primarily political, he acknowledged that he created the video to provoke a reaction. “I also created this video to scare people,” he mentioned, criticizing certain French media figures for their portrayal of the Sahel. He referenced reports implying that the Malian capital, Bamako, was on the verge of falling to extremist forces, asserting that the actual situation was not as dire as depicted.

In light of the teenager’s actions, he remains unapologetic. “The French authorities have no regrets about publishing false statements on the AES,” he asserted. “So I’m not going to regret publishing false things about them!” His story illustrates the complexities of digital media, misinformation, and the quest for financial gain in the modern age. As technology evolves, the impact of such content will continue to challenge societal norms and the boundaries of responsible media consumption.