Edinburgh Napier University

  The widespread dissemination of fake news in the digital age, accelerated by generative artificial intelligence (GAI), presents a significant challenge to the integrity of information in our interconnected world. This review paper comprehensively analyzes the critical concerns surrounding GAI-generated fake news, including its origin, distribution, societal impact, and the complex challenges associated with its detection. The study explores various techniques GAI systems employ to create misleading content, ranging from textual misinformation to deepfake media, highlighting the alarming scope of fake news proliferation. Additionally, this paper examines the difficulties in detecting fake news through natural language processing, image analysis, and audio analysis, discussing both their advancements and inherent limitations. It also addresses ethical concerns tied to detection strategies, such as privacy violations and the potential erosion of public trust. Furthermore, it identifies a crucial gap in current research: the urgent demand for innovative and scalable solutions to combat the overwhelming surge of fake news in the digital ecosystem. Addressing this challenge is essential in mitigating the impact of GAI-generated fake news. One of the most pressing obstacles in the fight against misinformation today is managing the sheer volume of online fabricated content. The rapid and widespread dissemination of such content emphasizes the need for proactive strategies to curtail its influence before it inflicts significant harm. This evident knowledge gap highlights the necessity for continued research and innovation to strengthen digital security and enhance trustworthiness in online spaces.