The article discusses the chaos and disinformation that erupted following the killing of Mexico’s most powerful drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” In the wake of the Mexican army’s operation to capture him, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel retaliated with violence across about 20 states, resulting in over 70 deaths.
As people sought information via social media, they were met with a flood of disinformation, including fabricated videos and misleading posts generated by artificial intelligence. Mexican officials reported a significant number of these posts lacked context or were misleading, complicating the public’s ability to discern truth from fiction.
Many citizens relied on messaging apps and social media for updates, often encountering posts that fueled fear rather than provided clarity. Experts noted the Jalisco cartel has become increasingly sophisticated in its use of technology to disseminate misinformation, which added to the sense of chaos. While some disinformation may have inadvertently kept people safe by discouraging them from going outside, it also contributed to widespread panic.
