Council leader states that fake advertisements are a threat to democracy

Misleading advertisements promoting fictitious projects and job roles, including positions like "volunteer pothole fixer" and "volunteer flag remover," have been circulating online using a council's branding. One such ad, designed with the City of York Council's logo, shows a man in a hard hat and high-visibility jacket climbing a ladder to take down a St George's flag from a lamppost.

Council leader Claire Douglas urged residents to remain vigilant and question the authenticity of such content, emphasizing the importance of informed public discussion. She commented, "The surge in false information is deeply concerning. It is growing rapidly and aims to weaken both UK democracy and community unity."

Another online post features an illustration of two people and asks, "Do you have a spare room in York? Help support asylum seekers in your community." Although these initiatives are entirely fictional, the ads include real contact numbers and email addresses, instructing people to reach out to the council. These posts have been widely shared on social media platforms, including local Facebook groups. Some right-wing online figures have even created videos treating the ads as legitimate, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The emergence of these ads coincides with the announcement of a by-election in York's Heworth ward scheduled for January, although none of the advertisements explicitly reference the election.

Douglas stressed that disinformation tactics are becoming increasingly advanced. "Those attempting to influence elections here, both domestically and from abroad, are using sophisticated methods to make false content appear authentic. The public must remain cautious and continually ask, 'Is this real?'"

She added, "We should not accept misinformation. It is crucial to prioritize verified facts and engage in healthy, fact-based public discussions."

Author: Lucas Grant