# Opposition deepfake video sparks outrage in Spain ahead of election

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/opposition-deepfake-video-sparks-outrage-in-spain-ahead-of-election/
- Published: 2026-10-23T16:35:48+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:52:35+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/23/opposition-deepfake-video-spain-election
- Topics: AI, Art, Culture, Elections, Europe, Government, Politics, Technology, World

## Key points

- PP deepfake advert draws criticism in Spain.
- Video had nearly 2 million views by Friday.
- Debate centres on disinformation, ethics and legality.

## Summary

Spain’s main opposition People’s party (PP) has drawn criticism after publishing an AI-generated campaign video that makes people linked to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Socialist party appear to confess to wrongdoing. The video has intensified debate over political disinformation and the ethical use of deepfakes as Spain prepares for a general election next month.

The video had nearly 2 million views by Friday and included fabricated remarks attributed to Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, and former Socialist prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, both of whom deny wrongdoing in ongoing investigations. A former Socialist party member whose likeness appeared in the advert has filed a legal complaint accusing the PP of defamation and digital identity theft. Most legal experts consulted by El País reportedly considered the video lawful because it was labelled as AI-generated and presented as satire, while questioning whether it was politically appropriate.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.