Two years after Daniel Robson emerged in the Canadian media scene as an expert in extremism, terrorism, and cybercrime, several Canadian outlets said Robson might not be a real person and probably an AI persona. Robson published several articles under his name and photo and even contributed a chapter to a book. But the suspicion was flagged by an editor at Turkiye Today who wanted to do a video call with Robson. Robson refused, prompting the Turkiye Today editor to contact the Canadian editors who published Daniel’s articles. Eventually, nobody could establish Daniel’s identity.
Here’s what Canadian media said
As reported by CBC, Policy Options said last week that it removed an article published last year under Robson’s name after it was “unable to independently establish that the person who wrote for us is who he represents himself to be or that the biographical information he provided is accurate.”The Ottawa Citizen said it took down Robson’s articles after an investigation uncovered that he does not exist.Ottawa Citizen editor-in-chief Nicole Feriancek also said in a written statement on Tuesday that Robson had described himself as a “‘Canadian journalist’ specializing in extremism, terrorism and crime.” But he said Robson’s mugshot photo appeared to be AI-generated, and so are his writings.Feriancek said attempts to call or meet Robson were declined. “When we were up front with our concerns, and said we wanted to verify his identity — in person — he declared he was incensed by our line of questions, and he ended all communication.”
How did the investigation begin?
On September 2, Turkiye Today received a 600-word email from Robson which said: “I am writing to submit for your consideration an investigative feature entitled ‘From Canada Through Türkiye: Canadian Runs Criminal Network Linking Drug Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling.” The Turkiye Today expose said that the editor who read the email found something fishy and immediately wanted to have a one-on-one video call with him. Managing editor Ilker Sezer said he instantly liked the story as it involved a Moroccan drug lord laundering money through a Turkish middleman and wanted more information.“I have been dealing for several days with a dental problem that recently worsened and developed into significant trismus, with painful restriction of jaw movement. I underwent a minor oral surgical procedure yesterday to address the underlying problem, but the stiffness and discomfort remain quite pronounced, particularly with repeated jaw movement and sustained speaking,” Robson repliedThis prompted the digging up and nobody could find out anything real about the person.
Then who is Daniel Robson ?
Sezer said he can’t say for sure who is behind the AI journalist but it may have a link to Morocco. The Globe and Mail reported on Wednesday that a digital research tool showed that Robson’s email address was used to register a Moroccan Microsoft account in March. “That account was last active in early September, records show,” it said.