Fake AI-Generated Channel of Videos About 3I/ATLAS Was Removed by YouTube - Avi Loeb – Medium
A fake AI-generated YouTube channel impersonating Avi Loeb spread misinformation about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, before being taken down after intervention.
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Target
- Avi Loeb
A fictitious YouTube channel impersonating Avi Loeb, a Harvard professor, spread misinformation using AI-generated videos. The channel took advantage of Loeb's popularity to disseminate false content about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS.
What happened
The channel, which was named after Loeb, featured fake videos about 3I/ATLAS. Fans noticed discrepancies, such as a frozen clock in the background and the absence of a facial injury Loeb had recently sustained. Despite these red flags, a news outlet included one of these videos in a report, blending reality with fake content. Loeb contacted YouTube, citing violations of community guidelines and terms of service, and also consulted legal advisors. YouTube removed the channel after receiving Loeb's message. A clip of the fake videos was then requested by NBC News for an interview with Loeb.