In the videos containing false information, it is claimed that informational leaflets about rodent extermination appeared in public spaces, and that poisons allegedly scattered near stairwells and children’s playgrounds have already killed at least one cat.
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The clips show supposed notes hung in stairwells and other public places announcing ongoing deratization.
All messages contain identical text: “Dear residents, due to the risk of spreading infections carried by rodents, from May 22 to May 29, unscheduled rodent extermination work will be carried out in the building.”
The note urges to immediately report any rodent sightings by phone to the National Public Health Center (NVSC). It can be understood that NVSC is allegedly responsible for the deratization.
All clips show the same associative images and informational leaflet.
NVSC Responded
NVSC itself denied the spreading falsehoods on Wednesday.
“We have received information that false information about ongoing deratization (rodent extermination) work and rodent poisons scattered in public spaces is being spread in the name of NVSC.
NVSC informs that it does not carry out deratization (rodent extermination) work, and the information in the distributed material does not correspond to reality.
We emphasize that NVSC does not distribute notifications to residents about planned or ongoing deratization in specific territories or buildings.
The organization and execution of pest control measures are the responsibility of territory and building managers and municipalities.
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These services are provided by licensed companies,” the center’s post on Facebook states.
Clips and Account Created by AI
15min noticed that these false warnings on Facebook were spread by an account pretending to be a Lithuanian woman.
At least 4 almost identical posts about deratization appeared here within a few days.
However, a male voice is heard in the clips.
15min checked the audio tracks of several videos with two programs. In all cases, both programs showed that the voice was generated by AI.
Another program showed that the main profile picture was also created by AI.
The account was created last December. From winter to spring, posts opposing the Kapčiamiestis training ground project were spread. Therefore, it is likely that the account was created solely to spread disinformation and manipulation in Lithuanian.
15min verdict: falsehood. NVSC denied the false posts claiming it conducts deratization. The audio track of the false posts was created by AI. The profile picture of the account spreading them is also an AI-generated image.
Publication prepared by 15min in cooperation with Meta, aiming to stop the spread of misleading news on the social network. More about the program and its rules – here.
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