Fake Fiji Sun front pages expose dangers of AI misinformation

Fake, AI-generated front pages falsely using the Fiji Sun masthead are circulating on Facebook, targeting veteran journalists Vijay Narayan, Stanley Simpson and InsideOut band lead singer Apakuki Nalawa, commonly known as Kuki.

Latest fake front pages have also featured Fiji Women's Crisis Centre coordinator Sahmima Ali and Suva lawyer Richard Naidu.

The Fiji Sun’s social media posters have also been altered using AI to create and spread fake news online.

One fabricated front page falsely claims Mr Simpson was seen with an Australian woman and includes a full centrespread allegedly showing the pair together.

The fake pages were posted by a Facebook account under the name Timoci Vikoko, which has since been changed to Richard Prasad Apted.

The account was only created this week and has a small number of friends and posts.

Another fake article featuring Mr Narayan gives a vague and unfocused overview of his media career, while falsely crediting senior journalist Ivamere Nataro as the writer.

Fiji Sun editor-in-chief Rosi Doviverata warned that the misuse of trusted media branding showed how dangerous artificial intelligence and misinformation had become online.

“The misuse of the Fiji Sun masthead in AI generated material is concerning and highlights how easily people can be misled. In today’s digital environment, every Fijian has a responsibility to verify the source, verify the facts and verify again,” Ms Doviverata said.

“We expect to see more of this, especially during election periods. We urge Fijians to verify before sharing, not fall for misleading content, and always refer back to the official Fiji Sun website and Facebook pages for confirmation.”

She said social media users needed to become more critical about the content they consume and share.

“Social media users must develop the ability to distinguish between what is real and what is fake. If we fail to question what we see and share, we become willing participants in the spread of misinformation.”

Concerns over fake and misleading content have also been raised at national level.

At a recent fact-checking workshop, Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts highlighted the urgency of tackling false information as digital platforms and artificial intelligence accelerate the spread of misleading content.

During a parliamentary sitting in March, Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya also warned about the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation online.

“Today, every person with a smartphone is a publisher, a detective, a coach, a lawyer, a psychologist, and the list goes on,” Ms Tabuya said.

“Anyone can post, anyone can share, anyone can start a story.

“A single post can damage a reputation. It can cause termination of employment.

“A single rumour can create panic. It can hurt people. It can break up families.

“A single share can commit a crime. A single lie can divide a nation.”

About the fake account

The fake Fiji Sun front pages were posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 5.45pm.

The account has only a small number of friends and posts.

The official Fiji Sun front page carries the masthead on the right side and is priced at $1.75 outside Viti Levu.

In contrast, the fake version places the masthead on the left side and lists the price as $1.10.