The pages shared sensational claims such as the United States “losing its main city” in a Russian attack and Elon Musk “banning Teslas in Canada.” Links in the posts directed users to HTV‑owned sites that displayed ads for products and services, generating revenue.

Meta’s Facebook platform rewards low‑quality, clickable content. Aengus Bridgman, director of the Media Ecosystem Observatory, said Facebook’s incentives let the scheme earn engagement and money, while Canadians, their businesses and democracy lose out.

Corporate records show HTV Network Company Limited was incorporated in 2024 with seed capital of 7 billion Vietnamese dong (about $350,000 CAD). The same phone number and personal details listed for the company match those of CEO Ngo Anh Tan.

After the investigation, HTV added a disclaimer: the articles are fictional and for entertainment only. Ngo Anh Tan continues to deny any involvement with the pages or sites.

The operation demonstrates how AI can be used to mass‑produce deceptive content, monetize it through ad‑laden sites, and manipulate public debate, posing a real threat to Canadian consumers, advertisers and democratic discourse.