Prosecutor warns of deepfake videos targeting tribal leaders

WINDOW ROCK

The Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor is warning citizens about a rise in deepfake videos falsely depicting tribal leaders, saying the content may violate Navajo law and lead to criminal charges.

The manipulated videos have targeted elected officials, including the president, vice president and members of the Navajo Nation Council. The materials can damage reputations, mislead the public and endanger those in leadership.

These videos are not harmless, said Chief Prosecutor Vernon L. Jackson Sr. “They can terrorize public officials, erode trust in government and rise to the level of criminal behavior.”

Potential violations under Title 17 of the Navajo Nation Criminal Code include harassment, impersonation of an official, interference with government functions and threatening or disorderly conduct. Offenders may face prosecution, fines or incarceration depending on the severity of the harm.

Jackson warned that individuals who share or repost manipulated videos could also be held responsible.

“Amplifying these videos spreads falsehoods, destabilizes our Nation, and places our leaders at risk,” he said.

Jurisdiction, enforcement

When both the creator and the victim are Diné, tribal courts may assert jurisdiction even if the conduct occurs off the Navajo Nation, said Jackson.

“If you are a Navajo citizen and you publish or distribute deepfake content against an elected Navajo Nation official, whether on Facebook, TikTok or any other social media platform, the Office of the Prosecutor will investigate and if necessary, pursue criminal charges,” he explained. “Under the long arm of Navajo law, when both the offender and victim are Navajo, Navajo courts have jurisdiction no matter where the incident occurs, even off the Navajo Nation.”

For non-Navajo individuals involved, the prosecutor’s office plans to pursue civil actions in Navajo Nation courts or, if necessary, in other jurisdictions.

Safeguarding public trust

Deepfakes – digitally altered videos or audio that falsify a person’s actions or words – are an emerging threat to public order and governance. They can fabricate evidence of corruption or false statements, fuel unrest and diminish confidence in leadership.

Jackson said the behavior may also fall under several criminal provisions depending on intent, including conspiracy or solicitation when individuals coordinate or assist in creating or spreading manipulated media.

“The Office of the Prosecutor will defend the dignity of elected office and protect the trust of the Navajo people,” Jackson said. “Deepfakes are not harmless satire. They are deliberate fabrications designed to mislead, and they will be met with the full force of Navajo law.”

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