Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Io Dodds

How misinformation is rampant during LA protests

  • AI-generated fake videos and photos are spreading rapidly on social media, particularly X, about the ongoing protests in Los Angeles, often reinforcing pre-existing narratives and misinformation.
  • These AI-generated fakes include videos of a rioter claiming to be paid, a National Guard soldier reporting oil-filled balloons being thrown, and a man throwing a Molotov cocktail, all of which are not actually happening.
  • Chatbots like ChatGPT and Grok have also been providing false information about the protests, including misattributing photos of National Guard members and falsely claiming a photo of bricks was taken at the LA protests.
  • Experts warn that these AI-generated fakes are a new tool in the spread of disinformation, joining manipulated photos and out-of-context videos, and are often targeted at reinforcing partisan talking points.
  • Tips for spotting AI-generated videos include looking for suspiciously clean visuals, overly attractive people, strange details like fingers and buttons, blurred writing, and unusual background behavior; fact-checking with trusted media is also advised.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.