Kazakhstan: Public Figures Targeted in Deepfake Videos Promoting Russian Military Campaign
Photo: Orda.kz
Kazakhstan has recently seen an increase in deepfake videos falsely featuring officials and public figures expressing support for the Russian military, Orda.kz reports.
These AI-generated videos depict public figures such as Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, the Akims of Qostanay and North Kazakhstan regions, journalist Gaziza Raimbek, and singer Alisher Karimov. Those falsely depicted in the deepfakes endorse participation in the conflict or justify Russian activities.
One video attributes a statement to Nurtleu, implying government approval of Russian military flights through Kazakhstan. Other videos include similar claims, suggesting it is “legal” for Kazakhstan's citizens to join military operations on the Russian side.
A fabricated video attributed to Alisher Karimov includes this message:
“I also encourage all my fans to sign the contract. There are really good conditions, high payments and the opportunity to prove yourself as a real man.”
Orda.kz notes that such videos are frequently submitted to our reporting bot, though the sources remain unidentified.
Authorities have warned that involvement in foreign armed conflicts carries significant legal penalties in Kazakhstan, ranging from five to nine years under Article 172 of the Criminal Code, and potentially life imprisonment with property confiscation under Article 170 on mercenarism.
A similar wave of deepfakes emerged in May, involving false portrayals of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, regional Akims, and journalists, including Orda’s editor-in-chief, Gulnar Bazhkenova.
Those videos promoted participation in an “Immortal Regiment” event.
Amid these incidents, Kazakhstan is considering new legislation to criminalize the creation and distribution of deepfakes.
Original Author: Ruslan Loginov
Latest news
- Orda.kz Editorial Team to Cease Operations on September 1
- The Price of a Degree: How Students in Kazakhstan Pay for University
- Second Przewalski’s Horse Foal Born as Species Returns to Kazakhstan
- Kazakh Mining Companies Can Recalculate Purchases if Tenge Weakens
- Kazakhstan Names First Vice President in Three Decades
- What Almaty’s Bus Shelters Are Missing
- 400-Truck Queue Builds at Kazakh–Kyrgyz Border
- Kazakhstan Ready to Help Feed and Rebuild Gaza
- Tokayev Establishes New Presidential Security Body
- Almaty Takes Back Its Nearly Century-Old Hippodrome
- No More Guesswork on Savings: Kazakhstan Tightens Energy Audits for Businesses
- Public Money Could Be Used to Rescue Failing Kazakh Banks
- Third Kazakh Woman Reported Missing in Nepal-China Flood Zone
- Falconer Convicted Over 35 Protected Birds, Spared Punishment Under Amnesty
- Kazakh Citizen Detained in Yakutia in Phone Fraud Case
- Yuan Instead of Dollars? KazMunayGas Draws Record Demand in Asia
- China Gains Oil-Market Influence as OPEC+ Weakens
- Kazakhstan to Divide Smartphones Into White, Gray and Black Lists
- Kazakhstan’s Government Formally Resigns as First Kurultai Session Opens
- Rare Lynx Sighting Recorded in Northern Kazakhstan
