Fake videos and AI chatbots drive disinformation about LA protests
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.