fact-bytes

Fact Bytes — AI Disinformation Exposed for the Week of December 29th, 2024

This week’s Fact Bytes is also available as a podcast if you prefer to listen on the go or enjoy audio format:

For this week’s “Fact Bytes: AI Disinformation Exposed,” I’ve identified some current AI-related misinformation trends circulating across social media and news outlets.

1. What: AI-Generated Fake Firework Display Announcement

Thousands gathered in Birmingham’s Centenary Square on New Year’s Eve for a firework display falsely advertised through AI-generated news articles and social media posts. The misleading information led to confusion and disappointment among the crowds, despite West Midlands police warning earlier that no such event was planned. Some attendees resorted to setting off their fireworks, posing safety risks.

Fact Check: The advertised event was a hoax. Authorities had clarified that no official firework display was scheduled in Birmingham for New Year’s Eve. The incident underscores the potential dangers of AI-generated misinformation and the importance of verifying event details through official channels.

What You Can Do:

Always verify event announcements with official city or event organizer websites.
Be cautious of sensational news from unverified sources, especially on social media.
Check multiple reliable sources before attending public events.

2. What: AI-Generated Deepfake Targeting Political Candidate

A Moscow-based group, the Center for Geopolitical Expertise, used AI tools to create and disseminate a deepfake video falsely accusing Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz of sexual assault — the video aimed to discredit Walz ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Fact Check: The video was fabricated using AI technology. The individual named in the footage debunked the claim as a fabrication. The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned the organization responsible for creating and spreading the deepfake.

What You Can Do:

Be skeptical of sensational allegations, especially during election periods.
Verify information through multiple reputable news outlets.
Be aware of the existence of deepfake technology and its potential misuse.

3. What: AI-Generated Audio Deepfake in Political Campaigns

During the campaign for the 2024 New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary, over 20,000 voters received robocalls featuring an AI-generated impersonation of President Joe Biden, urging them not to vote — this deepfake audio aimed to suppress voter turnout through misinformation.

Fact Check: The robocalls were identified as fraudulent, utilizing AI to mimic President Biden’s voice. The New Hampshire attorney general stated that these calls violated state election laws. Investigations led to identifying and indicting the individuals responsible for commissioning the deepfake calls.

What You Can Do:

Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those making unusual requests or statements.
Verify the authenticity of such messages through official campaign communications or trusted news sources.
Report suspicious communications to local election authorities.

Staying informed and vigilant is crucial in the digital age, where AI-generated disinformation can spread rapidly. Always cross-reference the information with reliable sources before accepting or sharing it.

By addressing these issues and providing factual information, BearNetAI’s Fact Bytes can help readers the tools to discern between truth and disinformation.

We look forward to engaging with you in this meaningful conversation — together, we can ensure that truth prevails in the AI discourse.

Please share your thoughts with us via email: marty@bearnetai.com, and don’t forget to follow and share BearNetAI with others who might also benefit from it. Your support makes all the difference.

Thank you for being a part of this fascinating journey.

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