More than 200 complaints made over ‘deepfake’ Queen’s speech
Ofcom spokesperson says watchdog has not decided whether to investigate yet
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than 200 complaints have been made over a “deepfake” version of the Queen’s speech aired on Christmas Day.
The alternate Christmas message, shown on Channel 4, saw a digitally-created version of Britain’s monarch speaking to the nation, in what had been billed as a warning about misinformation and fake news.
The speech included jokes about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's move to the US, as well as a nod to the scandal surrounding the Duke of York and his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
An Ofcom spokeperson confirmed the media watchdog had received 214 complaints over the broadcast.
They added: "We are assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate."
In the speech, the digital version of the Queen also performed a TikTok dance routine and revealed her penchant for "Netflix and Phil" with the Duke of Edinburgh.
Channel 4's alternative Christmas message aired opposite the BBC's broadcast of the Queen's official annual televised message to the nation.
The director of programmes at Channel 4 claimed the alternative message aimed to serve as a “powerful reminder” of misinformation.
“Deepfake technology is the frightening new frontier in the battle between misinformation and truth,” Ian Katz said.
He added: “This year’s alternative Christmas address – seemingly delivered by one of the most familiar and trusted figures in the nation – is a powerful reminder that we can no longer trust our own eyes.”
Additional reporting by Press Association
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments