Ask Onix
AI-generated videos stoke UK immigration fears from abroad
A network of Facebook and Instagram accounts, many operated from outside the UK, is using artificial intelligence to create and spread anti-immigration content that has amassed millions of views. Investigations by BBC Panorama and the Top Comment podcast reveal that the creators-based in countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the US-often have no direct connection to Britain.
Who is behind the accounts?
At least a dozen interconnected pages, including the popular "Great British People" Facebook account, have published AI-generated videos depicting an elderly British man in tears over his pension and reporters questioning the impact of mass immigration. Despite their apparent focus on UK issues, transparency tools show the accounts are frequently managed from locations thousands of miles away.
Some creators, interviewed by the BBC, admitted their content is designed to provoke discussion about cultural shifts. One pair behind an account with over 20 million views claimed to operate from an unnamed European country where they said "insecurity has become more noticeable." They denied financial motives but refused to name politicians who allegedly support their work.
Contradictory narratives and AI manipulation
The content often presents conflicting portrayals of the UK. Some videos blame Muslim immigration for the country's perceived decline, while others idealize Islamic nations as utopian alternatives. AI-generated scenes depict British cities in 2050 as lawless, with streets lined with halal stalls, Arabic script, and chaos-imagery that experts say erodes trust in authentic media.
Professor Sander van der Linden, a social psychologist at the University of Cambridge, described these operations as a "new evolution of influence campaigns," noting how easily overseas actors can pose as British nationals by purchasing UK-based social media accounts.
"The more AI content people see, the harder it becomes to distinguish fact from fiction, increasing distrust in real information."
Professor Yvonne McDermott Rees, Queen's University Belfast
State involvement and financial motives
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has commissioned research into AI-generated images falsely showing the capital in decline, warned that while some creators are driven by profit, others appear linked to hostile states like Russia and Iran. Though direct state involvement is difficult to verify, several accounts share pro-Russian and pro-Iranian posts.
City Hall's research identified two primary motives: state-backed disinformation campaigns and individuals monetizing division. One account operator, paid through Instagram's ad revenue system, admitted posting content "to get a reaction for engagement," while another described coordinating with like-minded pages to maximize attention.
UK-based networks amplify overseas content
Not all accounts are foreign-run. A West Midlands-based operator told the BBC they collaborate with pages in India, Pakistan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand to promote a shared political agenda. These networks use group chats to synchronize posts, blurring the line between grassroots activism and orchestrated disinformation.
Professor van der Linden highlighted the growth of a "disinformation-for-hire industry," where paid influencers masquerade as ordinary citizens to push agendas using AI and bots. Research suggests the public struggles to detect fakes, with accuracy rates around 55%-far lower than most people assume.
Public reaction and platform response
Comments on the AI-generated videos reveal a mix of skepticism and belief. One user wrote, "It's probably AI, but the fact is he's right about everything," while another urged, "Never back down." The "Britain Today" page, which posted a fabricated protest video, is registered in Sri Lanka, according to Meta's transparency tools.
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, stated it takes "coordinated inauthentic behavior seriously" and has teams dedicated to disrupting such activity. A spokesperson said the company enforces its Community Standards against all violating content, regardless of whether it is AI-generated.
Mayor Khan called on social media platforms to overhaul algorithms that reward divisive content and to clearly label AI-generated material. "These lies harm London's reputation, deterring visitors, students, and investors," he said, warning that dystopian narratives could sway public opinion.
