Artificial Intelligence Deepfakes in Social Media: The New Threat to Clergy
Monday, 5 January 2026, 11:30
The Rise of AI Deepfakes Targeting Pastors
Artificial intelligence deepfakes are being increasingly deployed by scammers to impersonate religious leaders online. As these AI-generated videos flood social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, impersonation becomes more deceptive.
Scamming Congregations with AI
- Deepfake videos urging viewers to send donations or click links.
- Real clergy like Father Schmitz are publicly speaking out about these impersonations.
- Scammers use AI to mimic voices and appearances, leading to confusion.
The Impact on Faith Communities
- Scams are spreading, with reports from churches nationwide.
- Cybersecurity experts see an alarming trend; religious figures are easy targets for digital manipulation.
- As AI technologies become more accessible, the potential for deceptive practices increases.
While some leaders embrace AI tools for sermon preparation, the risks of deepfake technologies raise significant ethical and security concerns.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.