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A viral video falsely claims that environmental activist Greta Thunberg called for the use of “vegan grenades” and “biodegradable weaponry” during wars. Despite being extensively circulated on the internet, the altered video is definitely a deepfake, as confirmed by BBC themselves.
Is this for real? Is Greta Thunberg so dumb? pic.twitter.com/DtPNsFJvvR
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) October 3, 2024
The video, which went viral on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media sites, purports to depict Thunberg talking about the book Vegan Wars and supporting biodegradable missiles. The video is fake, and there isn’t a book like that. A BBC representative told Reuters that the footage had been edited with artificial intelligence (AI), and that Thunberg’s voice did not match her lip movements.
Origin of the Deepfake
German comedy troupe Snicklick, which is well-known for producing sarcastic entertainment, is the source of the video. The gang clearly labeled the modified video as “satire” when it uploaded it on YouTube and Instagram. Even with the humorous label, the video was presented as real by many people who shared it, particularly on Facebook and X. In certain versions, the label was hidden or not visible, which added to the confusion.
BBC Interview Manipulated
In the first interview, which aired in November 2022, Thunberg talked about her transition to veganism, her worry about climate change, and her book The Climate Book. The talk had no mention of “vegan grenades” or any other kind of armament. The edited video purports to show Thunberg endorsing these claims, giving the impression that she is advocating environmentally friendly combat.
Misinformation Spread
Several accounts on Facebook and other platforms shared the deepfake video, some even claiming it was not a satire but a real interview. One post read, “Yes, she really said this, it’s not an SNL skit or the Babylon Bee,” implying the video was authentic. Despite the video being flagged as satire by some users, many viewers took it seriously, further contributing to its spread.
TikTok Circulation
The edited video became viral on TikTok and was widely shared in Russia, with the “satire” label obscured. Additional misconceptions regarding Thunberg’s views on environmental concerns and warfare were stoked by this rendition. Global audiences were reached by similar content that also proliferated on other messaging channels.
BBC and Fact-Check Response
The BBC advised viewers to exercise caution when selecting their news sources in reaction to the widely shared video. “The video is unquestionably a deepfake. A BBC spokesman stated, “We encourage everyone to double-check links and URLs to make sure they are obtaining news from a reliable source.
Deepfake is a technique that is being utilized more and more to trick viewers by editing real talks and interviews. In this instance, the fake film seeks to cast Thunberg in an odd and misleading light in order to undermine her climate work.
Conclusion
The claims that Greta Thunberg advocated for “vegan grenades” and sustainable weapons in a BBC interview are entirely false. The video circulating online is a deepfake created for satirical purposes by a German comedy outlet. Thunberg has not authored a book titled Vegan Wars, nor has she ever promoted eco-friendly warfare.