Identity Theft of European Models in US Election Scam

A disturbing trend has emerged where models and social influencers from Europe have had their identities stolen to support Donald Trump's reelection campaign. CNN's Katie Blaze reports that these individuals, including models from countries like Germany, Denmark, and Russia, discovered their images being used on fake MAGA accounts attracting thousands of followers in just months. The consequences extend beyond personal annoyance; affected individuals express concerns about the manipulation of their images and the potential damage to their careers. Debbie, a model from Luxembourg, recounts her shock after seeing her face associated with messages advocating for Trump, stating she has no political affiliations with the United States. Investigations by CNN and the Center for Information Resilience reveal nearly 60 fake accounts promoting Trump, frequently reusing the same content, indicating a coordinated campaign behind this identity theft. For example, Eva, another victim whose photo was falsely verified, expresses feelings of violation over the misuse of her image. The report raises questions about the involvement of state actors in these disinformation efforts, especially given the prevailing trends in manipulative online behavior leading up to the US 2024 elections. Despite attempts to address these fake accounts, it appears that the verification processes on platforms like X have diminished, allowing such incidents to thrive. The lack of response from X regarding their findings prompts further scrutiny into their trust and safety protocols amidst rising concerns for women's rights and online safety in political contexts.