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Election Disinformation Campaign Targets New Zealand Voters

Election Disinformation Campaign Targets New Zealand Voters

First seen 28 Oct 2026, 11:38 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 28, 2026 at 13:09 UTC
  • •False claims about political figures are circulating on social media ahead of New Zealand's election.
  • •Misinformation includes wild accusations against Labour leader Chris Hipkins, none of which are true.
  • •AI-generated images are being used to spread disinformation, complicating voter discernment.

In the lead-up to New Zealand's election, various false claims about political figures have surfaced on social media, including misinformation about Labour leader Chris Hipkins. These claims, which include false accusations and AI-generated images, have been spread by pages operating from Vietnam and Canada. The misinformation includes assertions that Hipkins is suing TVNZ and that he is deceased, none of which are true. The spread of disinformation is exacerbated by the use of AI technology, making it challenging for voters to discern fact from fiction. Netsafe's chief online safety officer emphasized the importance of being vigilant and critical of the information shared online. The article provides tips for voters on how to identify and avoid falling for disinformation, stressing the difference between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of election integrity in the digital age.

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Timeline

2026-10-28
Disinformation campaign reported
Various false claims about political figures, including Chris Hipkins, have been identified in the lead-up to the election.
Scoop.Co.Nz

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Common questions

What types of misinformation are being spread?
False claims include accusations against Chris Hipkins, such as him suing TVNZ and being deceased.
How can voters identify disinformation?
Voters should critically evaluate sources, check for fact-checking reports, and be cautious about sharing unverified information.
What role does AI play in this disinformation?
AI-generated images are being used to create misleading content that complicates the identification of factual information.