Cyabra Exposes AI-Driven Disinformation Campaign Targeting Pope Francis
New York, NY – March 24, 2025 – Cyabra, a leading AI-powered disinformation detection platform, has unveiled a disturbing report detailing a sophisticated disinformation campaign targeting Pope Francis. The campaign, which leveraged a network of fake social media profiles, spread false rumors about the Pope’s health, including premature reports of his death. Cyabra’s investigation, conducted in early March, revealed that a staggering 31% of the profiles discussing the Pope on X (formerly Twitter) were inauthentic, artificially amplifying the spread of misinformation and manipulating public perception. This revelation underscores the growing threat of AI-generated fake profiles in disseminating disinformation and eroding public trust. The report’s findings have garnered significant attention, with features in prominent media outlets like The New York Times and The Mail Online.
The report, titled "Pope Francis’ Health Misinformation Fueled by Fake Profiles," provides a detailed analysis of the campaign’s mechanics. Cyabra’s research demonstrates how malicious actors exploit the speed and reach of social media to disseminate false narratives, often capitalizing on sensitive topics to maximize impact. In this case, the uncertainty surrounding Pope Francis’s health provided fertile ground for the spread of misinformation. The use of AI-generated fake profiles added a layer of complexity, making it more difficult to identify and counter the disinformation campaign. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of online information ecosystems and the urgent need for robust detection and mitigation strategies.
"Our research highlights the alarming extent to which AI-generated fake accounts are being weaponized to manipulate public discourse," stated Dan Brahmy, CEO and Co-founder of Cyabra. "The disinformation surrounding Pope Francis’s health is just one example of how these malicious campaigns can sow fear, confusion, and distrust. It’s a wake-up call for individuals, organizations, and governments to take proactive measures to safeguard against the insidious effects of online disinformation." The increasing sophistication of these campaigns necessitates advanced technological solutions and collaborative efforts to preserve the integrity of online information.
Cyabra’s findings come at a pivotal moment, as online threats to public trust continue to evolve. The company’s report underscores the growing need for sophisticated tools and strategies to identify, analyze, and counter disinformation campaigns. Cyabra’s AI-powered platform plays a crucial role in this fight, offering real-time detection and analysis of online disinformation across various platforms, including social media and digital news channels. The company employs proprietary algorithms and Natural Language Processing (NLP) solutions to analyze publicly available data, providing actionable insights and real-time alerts that empower decision-making for both corporations and governments. Cyabra’s capabilities extend beyond identifying fake profiles to uncovering harmful narratives and detecting AI-generated content, enabling proactive responses to emerging threats.
In parallel developments, Cyabra has announced a significant business milestone: a business combination agreement with Trailblazer Merger Corp. (TBMC), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). This merger will position Cyabra for further growth and expansion, enabling the company to enhance its platform and broaden its reach. The combination with Trailblazer represents a strategic move to accelerate Cyabra’s mission of combating disinformation and promoting online transparency. This partnership brings together Cyabra’s cutting-edge technology with Trailblazer’s financial and strategic resources, creating a stronger entity capable of tackling the escalating challenges of online misinformation.
The merger also provides Cyabra with access to public markets, facilitating further investment in research and development and enabling the company to scale its operations. This enhanced capacity will be critical in addressing the evolving landscape of online disinformation, which increasingly leverages advanced technologies like AI and machine learning. As the digital world becomes more complex, the need for sophisticated solutions like Cyabra’s will only continue to grow. The combined entity will be better equipped to meet this demand and provide critical support to organizations and governments navigating the intricacies of online information warfare.
