Ellie, 44, is 1 of 9 Iranians living abroad — including in the #UK & #US — who said they have gotten strange, robotic voices when they attempted to call their loved ones in #Iran since #Israel launched airstrikes on the country a week ago.

They told their stories to The AP on the condition they remain anonymous or that only their first names or initials be used out of fear of endangering their families.

#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #chatbot #communications #internet #blackout #information

5 experts with whom the AP shared recordings said it could be low-tech #ArtificialIntelligence, a #chatbot or a pre-recorded message to which calls from abroad were diverted.

It remains unclear who is behind the operation, though 4 of the experts believed it was likely to be the #Iran government while the 5th saw #Israel as more likely.

#AI #communications #internet #blackout #information