Religion and the EU: AI videos, manipulated algorithms on Moldovan TikTok
TikTok in the Republic of Moldova is currently facing an influx of videos aimed at spreading disinformation narratives supported by the Russian Federation, especially during the electoral campaign. An analysis by Context.ro reveals that at least 128 TikTok accounts are dedicated to publishing content almost exclusively generated by artificial intelligence. Many of these videos promote messages that criticize the European Union or exploit religious themes.
AI-generated content and anti-EU narratives
In just two months, these accounts have published over 6,000 videos, with 2,000 of them containing disinformation or inflammatory messages. Some of the most widespread narratives include claims that the elections will be cancelled, that the EU would persecute the Orthodox religion, and that Germany would militarily occupy the Republic of Moldova.
The videos feature synthetic voices and digitally created images. Some even use historical personalities, such as Stephen the Great, to promote anti-European and homophobic messages.
Suspicious accounts and manipulated algorithms
The investigation reveals that certain accounts, such as “tamara.perepelita3” and “Ana Nicolaeva,” exclusively publish AI-generated videos and comment on each other’s posts to boost their visibility in the algorithm. Meanwhile, other accounts like “Moldova Ortodoxă” spread the narrative that Orthodoxy is being persecuted by the EU and the authorities in Chisinau, quickly gathering tens of thousands of likes.
The operation is part of documented patterns by F.A.C.T., which has shown that a surge of inauthentic content has invaded social networks in the Republic of Moldova over the past 30 days. This content promotes fear-based messages, including concerns about war and the potential loss of neutrality if Moldova were to join the EU.
Furthermore, we remind you that the Republic of Moldova is currently facing intensified disinformation campaigns in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28. These operations, attributed to Russia and pro-Russian actors like the “Matryoshka” network, have disseminated false information, including on imitation international platforms such as BBC, Euronews, and The Economist. The aim of these messages is to exploit ethnic and regional tensions, create divisions within society along linguistic lines, and incite panic through alarmist news.
