Verification: AI-generated images spreading post earthquake in Afghanistan
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan that has claimed at least 1,400 lives and destroyed over 5,000 homes, false information about the disaster has been circulating online.
Some of the media, including videos and images, have been created by artificial intelligence (AI), leading to doubts about their authenticity. To ensure the media's authenticity, it is essential to verify the content through trusted sources, cross-check facts, and rely on official or credible news agencies rather than unverified social media content.
A reverse image search revealed that one of the viral videos had been shared earlier, in connection with Pakistan's floods. Another video, also debunked as fake, has been associated with the earthquake in Afghanistan and contains similar clues. These videos, which are typically 8 seconds long, assume a bird's eye view, similar to footage filmed by a drone.
The text-to-video generation tool Veo 3 can generate a continuous shot of up to 8 seconds, while other models have slightly longer limits, but 8-10 seconds is typical for such tools. The videos show unnatural movements and buildings that appear intact, which is inconsistent with genuine photos from the area.
One such video, originally linked to Pakistan's floods, has been debunked as fake by fact checkers. Another viral post featured a fake image of the earthquake aftermath in Kunar province, Afghanistan, claiming the community was in urgent need of crisis response and assistance. However, the image's shadows fell on the same side as the light source, which is unusual, and the people in the image appeared to be wearing winter clothes, and they looked strikingly calm, which is inconsistent with genuine photos from the area.
The mountainous terrain is making rescue efforts difficult, and several aftershocks have followed the midnight earthquake. The United Nations is involved in the disaster response, and it is crucial to support their efforts and ensure that accurate information about the disaster is shared.
Unfortunately, several mainstream media outlets, including The Indian Express and TRT, have fallen for these fake images and used them in their reporting on Afghanistan's quake. It is essential to fact-check information before sharing it, especially in times of crisis when people are seeking accurate and up-to-date information.
In conclusion, the Afghanistan earthquake has caused significant devastation, and it is crucial to support the disaster response efforts and share accurate information about the disaster. Be wary of fake videos and images circulating online, and always verify the authenticity of the media before sharing it.
