Singapore prime minister attacked by hundreds of Chinese-language fake AI videos
South China Morning Post
by CNAFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hundreds of AI-generated Chinese-language YouTube videos have been spreading false narratives about Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. The majority of these videos, which surfaced late last year, falsely claim that Wong's leadership is under threat and promote conspiracy theories about political infighting in Singapore. These clips, featuring computer-generated Mandarin voiceovers and traditional Chinese subtitles, have garnered millions of views. While some content has been removed, new videos continue to emerge rapidly, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the operation.
The campaign appears highly organized, with nearly 300 videos analyzed over three weeks across more than 30 YouTube channels. Many of these channels also post content targeting other world leaders, suggesting a broader pattern of disinformation. A notable tactic is the use of hashtags referencing Singapore or Wong, which aims to "poison" Chinese-language search results on YouTube and drive traffic to misleading content. Experts speculate that bot networks or automation may be responsible for amplifying these videos, despite claims of significant organic engagement.
The coordinated effort represents one of the largest and most sustained attacks on Singapore's reputation in recent years. While authorities have yet to identify the source of the campaign, its persistence raises concerns about the growing sophistication of online disinformation tactics. Such campaigns not only undermine trust in political leaders but also highlight vulnerabilities in social media platforms' ability to detect and combat fake content at scale.
For readers interested in global politics, this underscores the rising threat of AI-driven propaganda and its potential to influence public perception. As Singapore remains a key player in Southeast Asia, such attacks could have broader implications for regional stability and international relations. The case also serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of addressing disinformation in an increasingly digital world.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026