‘AI can’t master the Cork accent’: Micheál Martin exposes deepfake scam using his image - wlrfm.com

On June 17, 2026, Taoiseach Micheál Martin issued a warning regarding a deepfake video circulating on social media that falsely features his likeness to promote a get-rich-quick investment scheme. The manipulated content suggests that individuals can earn €40,000 by making an initial €250 investment.

What happened

The deepfake video uses artificial intelligence to create a convincing likeness of the Taoiseach, who appears to claim that viewers can earn a €1,000 profit by the evening or receive a €10,000 personal refund. In response, Martin posted a clarification on social media, labeling the video as completely false and urging the public to remain vigilant against such sophisticated AI-generated scams. He further called upon social media platforms to implement more robust measures to prevent the spread of such deceptive content and to ensure it is removed immediately upon identification.

While the visual quality of the deepfake was sufficient to potentially deceive some viewers, it contained a significant auditory flaw that undermined its credibility. The AI-generated version of the Taoiseach speaks with an English accent, which contrasted sharply with the distinctive Cork accent of the real Micheál Martin. This discrepancy was quickly identified by social media users, leading to widespread online commentary regarding the current limitations of artificial intelligence in replicating regional dialects.