Gefälschte DDR-Zeitzeugen: Straßenumfragen sind KI-generiert

A popular TikTok channel named “DDR.Geschichten” has come under scrutiny after users raised concerns that its videos featuring elderly individuals discussing their experiences in East Germany (DDR) might have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI). The channel's content typically includes street interviews where older people express mostly positive views about life during the DDR era, highlighting aspects such as secure jobs and social cohesion while acknowledging material shortages. These videos have gained widespread attention, with some reaching hundreds of thousands of views, and many viewers expressing empathy or agreement in the comments section. However, doubts have emerged regarding the authenticity of these interviews. The visual elements in several of the videos suggest they could be AI-generated. For instance, one clip shows a person walking through a closed sliding door in the background, another features a shopping cart that appears to move on its own, and yet another displays a loose thread on the interviewee’s jacket moving unusually while their hair remains almost still. Additionally, multiple videos show shopping carts arranged in an unusually regular, tight, and nearly identical manner, which can indicate artificially created imagery. Some of the videos on the channel are automatically labeled by TikTok as “AI-generated,” while others lack this label. When asked about the discrepancy, TikTok did not provide specific explanations but stated that users are required by community guidelines to self-label AI-generated or heavily edited content that depicts realistic scenes or people. According to TikTok, the platform also detects such content and labels it automatically. However, the research indicates that this system has not worked reliably in the case of the DDR videos. After the inquiry, the label “AI-generated” appeared on some videos where it had previously been absent. The description of the “DDR.Geschichten” channel does not mention the use of AI. Instead, it states, “Here are stories from people from the DDR,” implying that genuine interview footage is being shown. When contacted, the channel operator did not comment on how the videos were produced. The statements made in the videos are primarily personal opinions and memories. It is possible that real people hold similar views about life in the DDR. However, the widespread dissemination of AI-generated content portraying alleged eyewitnesses could artificially amplify the perception that this viewpoint is more common than it actually is. AI-generated street interviews are prevalent on TikTok, according to a ZDF investigation from July 2025. These videos sometimes reach millions of viewers and can incite resentment. Some of these clips portray Black individuals and migrants as criminals or reinforce racist stereotypes. In November 2025, an AI-generated video circulated in which a family claimed to receive 6,000 euros in social assistance, sparking numerous angry comments. However, a fact-check revealed that the video was not authentic. This compilation of facts was researched by members of the Faktenforum community. Editorial work was done by Anna Süß, with editing by Viktor Marinov.