AI-made fake MAGA influencers are spreading on Instagram and Fanvue

In short: Some creators are using AI-made photos of fake conservative women to build big social media followings and then sell paid content and merchandise.

What's going on

A WIRED report describes how a 22-year-old medical student from northern India created a fake influencer named “Emily Hart” using AI image tools. AI image tools are apps that can make realistic pictures from text prompts (like ordering a custom photo from a menu).

The student posted “Emily” on Instagram as a pro-Trump, pro-Christian nurse, with political captions designed to start arguments. He said the account quickly reached over 10,000 followers, and some posts got millions of views. He also sold MAGA-themed T-shirts and offered paid “exclusive” photos and videos on Fanvue, a site similar to OnlyFans.

WIRED says “Emily Hart” is part of a wider pattern. Many of these accounts follow a similar template: a young, attractive white woman, often with a job like nurse, police officer, firefighter, or EMT, paired with strongly conservative posts. The goal is attention and engagement, since social platforms often push posts that get lots of reactions, even angry ones.

Platforms like Instagram say creators should label AI-made content, but WIRED reports enforcement can be inconsistent. “Emily Hart” was eventually banned on Instagram for “fraudulent” activity, though her Facebook page was still active at the time of reporting.

What to watch

Expect more of these accounts to pop up, especially on sites that allow AI-generated adult content or do less identity checking. For everyday users, it raises a simple question: is the person you are following real, or is it a character built to sell you something?

Source: Wired