GoKawiilReport finds 2,100+ AI-generated recipe sites using fake chef personas, including an Emily Blunt deepfake
Ad-supply researcher Decrypt Ads published a report identifying more than 2,100 websites publishing AI-generated recipes under invented chef identities, some promoted using an AI-generated likeness of actress Emily Blunt. Researcher Zach Edwards said he started with about 400 suspicious domains and used technical fingerprinting to trace hundreds more linked to the same operators, who monetize traffic through adtech partners based in Russia and China. The sites push content aggressively on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter/X to drive organic traffic to Google search and social platforms.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings suggest a coordinated, large-scale operation rather than isolated spammy blogs, raising questions about how search engines and social platforms vet publisher authenticity and ad partners. Researchers' use of technical fingerprinting to uncover hidden networks of fake-author sites could prompt platforms like Google and Pinterest to tighten detection of AI-generated content and fabricated personas. The use of a celebrity's AI likeness without consent also points to potential legal and reputational risks for both the scammers and the platforms hosting the content.
- Decrypt Ads identified over 2,100 websites suspected of publishing AI-generated recipes under fake chef identities.
- Some sites reportedly used an AI-generated image of actress Emily Blunt to promote content.
- The operation relies on aggressive social media promotion and ties to Russian and Chinese adtech networks for monetization.
Source: futurism.com — Maggie Harrison Dupré, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “Recipe Scammers Are Using an AI-Generated Emily Blunt as a Slop Puppet to Promote Their Garbage”
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