Artificial intelligence-generated videos have gone viral on social media, created by accounts supporting candidate Abelardo De la Espriella to discredit candidate Paloma Valencia. These pieces aim to reinforce a narrative portraying Valencia as part of “los de siempre” (the usual ones), while positioning De la Espriella as part of “los nunca” (the never ones) to attract votes as an outsider.
While political propaganda often simplifies or exaggerates, experts suggest AI is pushing this into a new territory: the industrial fabrication of false events that appear real by manipulating the images of public figures.
The Anatomy of the AI Campaign
One specific video, published by the account @ADlE_Presidente, features cinematic scenes including armored black vehicles driving through the streets of Cartagena. The footage depicts a fictionalized version of former president Álvaro Uribe writing in a WhatsApp group called “Los de siempre,” discussing strategies to manipulate poll perceptions regarding candidate Iván Cepeda to push Paloma Valencia against De la Espriella.
The 4-minute and 30-second video uses AI to create identical representations of real people in fabricated scenarios. It depicts Valencia in conspiratorial meetings with figures such as Juan Manuel Santos, Dilian Francisca Toro, and César Gaviria. Another scene shows a meeting on a yacht involving members of the Gran Consulta por Colombia and Juan Manuel Santos, who is portrayed as the strategist moving the strings of the “los de siempre” campaign.
The videos are rarely shared from De la Espriella’s official account, instead spreading through support accounts. Former president Álvaro Uribe has expressed disapproval, claiming that the campaign’s actions “mistreat” Valencia and others, and are “attending against the possibility of democracy winning.”
Expert Analysis on “Dirty War” Tactics
Dora Ramírez Vallejo, a doctoral candidate at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, describes the content as an “epic and emotional” narrative. She notes the use of a “gothic tropical” aesthetic—featuring luxury cars, fog, and intense music—designed to present De la Espriella as a disruptive, almost heroic figure capable of destroying an exhausted political system.
Politologist Daniel Yepes Naranjo compares this strategy to that of Argentina’s Javier Milei, noting the parallel between Milei’s “The Lion” and De la Espriella’s “The Tiger.” Yepes Naranjo suggests the focus on Valencia is a strategic move to ensure a path to the second round of elections.
politologist Nicolás Molina classifies these tactics as a “dirty campaign,” intended to wear down the reputation of opponents. He links this to populism, where the dominant elite is framed as the primary enemy.
Legal Implications and Candidate Background
The use of AI in political campaigning is not inherently illegal in Colombia. However, legal experts warn that a “red line” is crossed when the technology is used to deliberately deceive, destroy reputations, or falsely attribute conduct. Such cases could potentially lead to legal charges of defamation, slander, or identity theft.
This controversy arrives alongside renewed scrutiny of De la Espriella’s past. Profiles have highlighted his history as a lawyer for Alex Saab and his ideological affinity with paramilitarism, including his defense of Salvatore Mancuso. De la Espriella has previously described Mancuso as a compatriot who took on a struggle that others in Córdoba should have shared.
When questioned about these videos, De la Espriella’s campaign has not provided official responses to inquiries from the press, though the candidate has mentioned on X that he is also a victim of “dirty war” accusations.
Possible Future Developments
Given the nature of the content, the campaign could face legal challenges if the targeted figures pursue defamation or identity theft claims. As AI tools become more accessible, analysts suggest other candidates may adopt similar “outsider” narratives to distance themselves from the traditional political class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AI-generated videos illegal in Colombia?
Not necessarily. The use of AI is legal, but it can create legal problems if it is used to deceive, defame, steal identities, or damage reputations using false information.
What is the purpose of the “los de siempre” narrative?
The narrative seeks to present certain politicians as part of a traditional elite, thereby positioning the supporting candidate as an anti-system alternative or an “outsider.”
How do experts describe the visual style of these videos?
Experts describe it as a well-selected visual construction using elements like luxury black SUVs, fog, and intense music to create a dramatic, cinematic atmosphere similar to action or horror genres.
Do you believe the use of AI in political campaigns should be strictly regulated to prevent the fabrication of events?
