Everyone asks the wrong question around this…
An investigation into a network of social media accounts spreading faked clips and misinformation regarding politician Wes Streeting during the election period
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Target
- Wes Streeting
A network of social media accounts was identified deploying faked clips and false comments targeting Wes Streeting. These tactics were part of a broader trend of online manipulation that persisted throughout the election period, raising significant concerns about the efficacy of current social media regulation.
What happened
The investigation revealed that the group responsible for the faked content targeting Wes Streeting had previously utilized similar tactics during a by-election in February 2024, where they targeted Keir Starmer. These misinformation campaigns involved sharing faked clips and false comments across various social media platforms. While companies like TikTok, X, and Meta have invested in measures to protect users and have occasionally taken action against accounts following investigations, the deployment of these tactics suggests that coordinated misinformation efforts are well-practised by political activists. Ultimately, the focus on AI-driven deepfakes served as a distraction from the fundamental lack of clear solutions regarding the influence of algorithms and the persistent nature of online misinformation tactics that shape public discourse long before and after elections.