Images

Trick, not treat: Pakistan-hosted AI-generated website fooled thousands with fake Halloween party in Dublin

Trick, not treat: Pakistan-hosted AI-generated website fooled thousands with fake Halloween party in Dublin

After thousands of revellers gathered for the costume party, they soon realised the event did not actually exist.
02 Nov, 2024

Trick or treat? A Pakistan-hosted AI-generated website is choosing the latter — for thousands of people in Dublin, Ireland, of all places. Don’t worry, we’re just as confused as you are.

Here’s what happened — a website called My Spirit Halloween marketed a Macnas Halloween Parade, telling readers that a costume party would take place between 7pm and 9pm in Ireland’s capital city, Vice reported.

However, when thousands of people gathered, they soon realised the event didn’t actually exist. What followed next was, simply put, chaos. According to the publication, a huge crowd blocked Dublin’s streets and sidewalks, forcing police to step in to disperse the disappointed revellers.

An individual shared the scene on TikTok and told The Independent that the “Gardaí [Irish national police] were trying to clear the street”, adding that there was a larger crowd on the streets because of Diwali celebrations.

He said, “It was funny. We are still smiling now.”

Due to the situation, the Gardaí put out a message on X (formerly Twitter) for those waiting on O’Connell Street to “disperse safely”.

A spokesperson said: “Please be advised that contrary to information being circulated online, no Halloween parade is scheduled to take place in Dublin city centre this evening or tonight.

“All those gathered on O’Connell Street in expectation of such a parade are asked to disperse safely.”

Political party Sinn Fein’s councillor Janice Boylan described the situation as “really sad”.

She said, “Everyone is trying to have a fun and safe Halloween. Having a parade to go to sounded really good. I know an awful lot of people turned up. It’s a terrible pity.”

Cover photo: Artur Martins via X

Comments

Sadiq Nov 02, 2024 04:37pm
Why is pakistan becoming the source of fake news? We are used to political leaders propagating fake news. Maybe this has rubbed on masses.
Recommend
Shani Nov 02, 2024 05:20pm
This is shameful. The malicious actors behind this fake campaign should be arrested for fakery and lies.
Recommend
Mohd Sharif Nov 02, 2024 08:46pm
I am sure that the people of Ireland will love Pakistanis even more after this incident.
Recommend
Iqbal Zaman Nov 02, 2024 09:57pm
Can we become famous for anything nice? What a nation of jokers we have become
Recommend
Shaheryar Nov 02, 2024 11:18pm
Nothing is shameful here. Unfortunately, some people only want to find faults with Pakistan, rather in this case, one thing is appreciable that how AI was used to "fool" such large gathering of people into believing that the event was actually going to take place. But, like always "saints" like Sadiq and Shani don't have the presence of mind to realise that this event has taught a lesson about the possibility of misuse of AI. But, obviously some typical Pakistan haters can't keep quite in spitting out their venom.
Recommend
Anonymouseee Nov 02, 2024 11:22pm
Nice. Pakistan is learning from the best (India) in spreading fake news.
Recommend
Don Nov 02, 2024 11:57pm
Fooled
Recommend
tamza Nov 03, 2024 02:29am
Funny. It is ENTIRELY in the ‘spirit’ of the ghosts and goblins and witches!! AND speaks to the POWER of the internet AND of the people who pulled this off. The FIRST case of a ‘timed worm/crawler’ was a Chicago hospital, targeted by two Pakistani brothers [in Pakistan] who had been fired by the hospital. I heard they ran a successful cyber security business later.
Recommend
Junaid Nov 03, 2024 02:44am
Anyone. From any part of world. Can create website with location as Pakistan. As it's easy target. Don't trust anything you are being feed. Don't loose faith in your own people. All are not bad
Recommend
Imran sarf Nov 03, 2024 03:31am
I always get amused reading comments on such articles (in English), the 1% Pakistani elite class think they live in a perfect world!!!
Recommend
User Nov 03, 2024 07:11am
How can?
Recommend
Tahira Ahmed Khan Nov 03, 2024 05:45pm
This is a most uncalled for situation. ..if anyone has a talent it should definitely be used to portray positivity which will enhance the experience of people around... So show the world what is the good in you and how they can enjoy it...
Recommend