Video promotion from former Canadian prime minister is doctored
- Published on July 29, 2024 at 21:29
- 2 min read
- By Gwen ROLEY, AFP Canada
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"Good evening, Canadians! Today I want to share with you a wonderful opportunity that could change your life," Harper appears to say in a July 19, 2024 Facebook video.
Other versions of the clip have appeared in different posts promoting a supposed passive income program for people living in Canada.
AFP has previously debunked posts sharing manipulated videos of public figures to promote similar schemes targeting Canadians.
The supposed clip of Harper is also altered.
A reverse image search reveals the original May 2023 video shows Harper endorsing the United Conservative Party and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith during a provincial election (archived here).
The lack of synchronization between Harper's mouth and the sound in the ad indicates it could be a deepfake.
The posts also link to a now-defunct website that advertised "AI-focused stocks" and featured the logo of Israeli investment company eToro. The trading firm told AFP it was not behind the page.
"I can confirm that this website is not affiliated to eToro in any way," spokesman Jack Crone said in a July 26, 2024 email.
The Facebook page sharing the ads, SmartCapital, does not display any public posts. Its page transparency details show it changed its name on July 9.
Read more of AFP's reporting on misinformation in Canada here.
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