AI-driven misinformation surges in Mexico after cartel leader's death

After the army killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho, violence erupted in about 20 states with more than 70 killed, but the internet also flooded with AI-generated disinformation—fake videos and posts about airports seized or people hostage—fueling fear as residents sheltered in place. Officials logged 200–500 problematic posts since Sunday, with 35–40% lacking context, ~25% misleading, and ~25% AI-manipulated, some surpassing 100,000 views. Experts say cartels are becoming tech-savvy and weaponizing misinformation, while authorities and the U.S. embassy work to debunk.