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
- Kazakhstan’s Credit Rating Upgraded for First Time in a Decade
- While Thousands Lost Power, KEGOC Executives Received Nearly Half a Billion Tenge
- Changi Airport Group May Help Build Astana’s New Airport
- US Again Extends Deadline for Lukoil to Sell Its Assets in Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan Extradites Business Manager From Russia in 290 Million Tenge Tax Case
- Released Amur Tiger Successfully Hunts in Kazakhstan’s Wild
- Kazakhstan Moves to Develop Critical Minerals as Global Competition Intensifies
- Another Performance by Kazakh Stand-Up Comedian Called Off
- Uzbekistan Begins Preparations for Second Nuclear Power Plant
- Backpack Links Glacier Remains to Man Missing for 19 Years
- 650-Hectare Wildfire Contained in Karaganda Region
- Unusual Wildlife Encounter Captured in Altyn-Emel
- Retired Border Service Dog Sold for $2 at Kazakhstan Auction
- Will Kazakhstan Have Enough Coal This Winter?
- Belarusian Hikers Find Body on Glacier Near Almaty
- Kazakhstan Investigates Spending on 242 Million Tenge Educational Game
- Kazakhstan Makes Caspian Oil Companies Pay for Counterterrorism Deployments
- Kazakhstan Faces Shortage of 245,000 School Places
- Waste Dumping Reported Near Yurt Camps at Lake Zaisan
- Kazakh Oil Rerouted to Novorossiysk as Russia Frees Baltic Export Capacity
