Following a recent attack on Bondi Beach, Australia, which left 15 people dead, two videos began circulating on social media. One claimed that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had blamed Pakistan for the attack and announced a visa ban on Pakistani nationals. Another purported to show Pakistanis celebrating the incident.
Both statements are false.
Claim
A six-second video shared on December 15 shows Australian Prime Minister Albanese announcing the arrest of a “terrorist of Pakistani origin” linked to the Bondi Beach attack and suspending all visas for Pakistani nationals.
Do
This statement is false. The audio in the video was manipulated using artificial intelligence. The original footage is from a press conference on August 3, 2022, three years before the Bondi Beach attack. During the 15-minute press briefing, Albanese talks about climate change, not the attack.
The presser is visible here
Additionally, Hiya, a deepfake detection tool, rated the online video’s audio at 1 out of 100, indicating that it is a deepfake. No credible Australian media has reported such an announcement from the Prime Minister.
Claim
A 20-second video circulating online reportedly shows Pakistanis celebrating the Bondi Beach attack.
Do
This statement is false. The video predates the Bondi Beach attack and has been online since 2023. It was shared by several social media users in 2023 and can be seen here And here.
Verdict: The two videos circulating online are misleading and falsely linked to the Bondi Beach attack.
