You’ve probably seen it. A grainy, slightly "off" video of Greta Thunberg supposedly demanding that the military switch to "vegan grenades" or "biodegradable missiles." It looks like her. It sounds like her. But, honestly, it’s a complete lie.
These videos aren't just jokes anymore. They've become a weapon.
The Greta Thunberg deepfake phenomenon isn't just one single incident; it's a growing pile of AI-generated misinformation that targets one of the most polarizing figures of our time. From satirical sketches on British TV to malicious, non-consensual content spreading on WhatsApp in Brazil, the technology has evolved faster than most of us can keep up with.
Why her? Because she's a lightning rod. When people already have strong feelings about a person, they’re much more likely to believe a fake video that confirms their bias. It’s basically the "confirmation bias" engine running on high-octane AI fuel.
The "Vegan Wars" Satire That Fooled the World
In late 2023, a video started circulating that seemed to show Greta in a BBC interview. In the clip, she’s talking about "sustainable weaponry." She mentions how war is bad for the environment and suggests that if we must have grenades, they should at least be vegan.
It sounds ridiculous. To many, it was obviously fake. But here’s the kicker: thousands of people thought it was real.
The video was actually created by a YouTuber named Snicklink. He used real footage from a 2022 BBC interview where Greta was actually discussing climate anxiety and her book. By using voice cloning technology, he replaced her actual words with a script about "Vegan Wars."
- The Source: Original BBC interview from November 2022.
- The Change: Mouth movements were digitally altered (lip-syncing AI) to match the new, fake audio.
- The Intent: The creator labeled it as satire, but once it hit X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, that context vanished.
Sky News host Caleb Bond even admitted on air that it was "the most realistic AI" he’d seen, noting he almost fell for it the first time. This is the danger. When even media professionals have to look twice, the average person scrolling through their feed at 7:00 AM doesn't stand a chance.
When "Funny" Deepfakes Turn Dark
Not every Greta Thunberg deepfake is a "cheeky" parody. In 2021, a much more sinister campaign emerged. A deepfake video surfaced on WhatsApp, particularly in Brazil, depicting a digitally manipulated version of Thunberg in a nude, pornographic context.
This wasn't a joke about grenades. This was a targeted attempt to degrade and silence a young woman.
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) actually labeled this a significant "AI Incident." It proved that deepfake technology is being used for more than just political misinformation; it’s being used for character assassination. The reality is that once these videos are out there, you can't really "un-ring" the bell. The reputational damage is done the second someone hits "share."
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How to Spot a Fake Greta (and Other Deepfakes)
You don't need to be a computer scientist to catch these. Most of the time, the "tells" are right there if you stop for five seconds.
1. Watch the Mouth and Eyes
AI is still kinda bad at the "wet" parts of the face. In the "Vegan Wars" clip, if you look closely at her teeth and the way her lips move against her gums, it looks slightly rubbery. Deepfakes often have a "shimmer" around the mouth or eyes because the AI is trying to blend two different images together.
2. Listen for the "Robot Breath"
Human speech is messy. We take weird breaths. We have vocal "creaks." AI voice clones, like the one used for the Greta Thunberg deepfake, often sound too smooth. Or, conversely, they have a weird, metallic "tinny" quality in the background of the audio.
3. Check the Context
Ask yourself: Does this sound like something they would actually say? Greta Thunberg has spent years talking about systemic policy change and carbon budgets. Suddenly pivotting to "biodegradable missiles" is a massive red flag. If it feels like a caricature, it probably is.
The Ethical Mess We're In
Channel 4 in the UK actually used a Greta deepfake on purpose for Earth Day. They had an actress (Katia Kvinge) perform the movements, and then they layered Greta's face on top. Their goal was to teach people about the technology while delivering a climate message.
But does the "good" intent justify using someone's likeness without their permission?
Honestly, the law is still catching up. In many places, unless the deepfake is used for fraud or "non-consensual intimate imagery" (pornography), it’s a legal gray area. Critics argue that even "educational" deepfakes normalize the idea that we can't trust our own eyes.
Why This Matters for 2026 and Beyond
We're entering an era where "seeing is believing" is a dead concept. If someone can make a world-famous activist say something crazy, they can do it to a local politician, a CEO, or even you.
The proliferation of the Greta Thunberg deepfake is a case study in how misinformation scales. It’s cheap to make. It’s free to spread. And it’s incredibly hard to debunk once it's gone viral.
Actionable Steps to Stay Protected:
- Verify before you vent: If you see a video that makes you angry, search for the original source. Most deepfakes of public figures are debunked by fact-checking sites like Snopes or PolitiFact within 24 hours.
- Use AI Detectors: Tools like Resemble Detect or Microsoft's Video Authenticator can now analyze audio and video for synthetic artifacts with high accuracy.
- Report, don't just ignore: If you see a deepfake that is being presented as real news, use the "Report" function on the social media platform. Most platforms now have specific categories for "Altered Media."
- Spread awareness: Talk to your family—especially older or younger relatives who might be less tech-savvy—about how easy it is to clone a voice or swap a face.
The tech isn't going away. Our only real defense is a healthy dose of skepticism and a refusal to share content just because it matches what we already want to believe. Be the person who stops the chain, not the one who continues it.