A sharp rise in support for One Nation has sparked a new political battle, with Greens Senator Pete Whish-Wilson warning Australians to be alert to what he believes could be a sophisticated online disinformation campaign influencing public opinion ahead of future elections.

The warning follows recent polling showing One Nation recording its strongest support in years, a result that has surprised many political observers and prompted renewed debate about what is driving the party’s rapid rise. While supporters argue the numbers reflect growing frustration over issues such as housing, immigration and the cost of living, others believe the surge deserves closer scrutiny.

Whish-Wilson’s comments came after an investigation by ABC News Verify examined hundreds of social media accounts promoting One Nation content. According to the investigation, many accounts appeared difficult to trace, with some sharing AI-generated images, manipulated videos and highly coordinated political messaging designed to maximise engagement across multiple platforms. The senator argued Australians should “wake up” to the possibility that foreign-linked influence operations could seek to shape political debate through social media rather than traditional campaigning.

Importantly, the investigation did not conclude that One Nation itself created or directed the activity. Instead, it highlighted concerns about anonymous online networks promoting political content whose origins remain unclear. Cybersecurity researchers interviewed during the investigation said modern artificial intelligence tools have made it significantly easier for coordinated influence campaigns to produce convincing material at very low cost.

One Nation has firmly rejected suggestions that it was involved in any coordinated disinformation effort. Party representatives said their recent growth reflects increasing public dissatisfaction with the major parties and insisted their social media success has developed organically through supporters sharing the party’s policies and campaign messages.

The debate comes as One Nation has gained momentum in several recent opinion polls, with surveys indicating stronger support than many analysts had expected. The party has campaigned heavily on immigration, housing affordability, energy prices and national identity, issues that continue to rank among voters’ biggest concerns.

Political analysts caution that online popularity does not always translate directly into election results. However, they also note that digital campaigning has become increasingly influential, particularly when short-form videos, algorithm-driven recommendations and viral content can reach millions of users within hours.

The broader issue extends well beyond any single political party. Security agencies and researchers have repeatedly warned that foreign actors, anonymous networks and coordinated online campaigns may attempt to influence democratic debate by amplifying divisive issues or promoting misleading content. Determining who is responsible, however, is often difficult because many accounts operate anonymously or across multiple jurisdictions.

For voters, the discussion serves as a reminder to consider the source of political content encountered online. Experts recommend checking whether images, videos or claims can be verified through reliable reporting before accepting or sharing them, particularly during periods of heightened political activity.

As Australia’s political landscape continues to evolve, One Nation’s growing support is likely to remain a closely watched story. Whether that momentum reflects changing voter priorities, the effectiveness of online campaigning or a combination of multiple factors will continue to be debated in the months ahead.

What is already clear is that the conversation has expanded beyond polling numbers alone. It now includes broader questions about artificial intelligence, social media influence and how democratic societies respond when technology makes it easier than ever to spread persuasive political content at unprecedented speed.