Incident archive

President Trump shared an AI-generated composite image on Truth Social depicting sunken Iranian warships while the administration awaited a response to a proposed peace plan. The post labeled the image as a composite and identified it as AI-generated, though it did not provide details on the imagery sources or creation method. The image included panels showing vessels with Iranian flags and labels referencing the Obama/Biden administrations.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Actors Hamill posted a synthetic image on his verified Bluesky account depicting President Donald Trump deceased in a grave with the text 'If Only'. The image included a gravestone with the inscription 'Donald J. Trump 1946-2024' and Hamill's caption stated Trump should live long enough to witness his defeat in the midterms and be held accountable for corruption. The White House press team responded on X, calling Hamill 'a sick individual' and claiming such rhetoric inspired recent attacks against the president. Hamill subsequently removed the image and replaced it with one showing Trump with wild hair, stating he wished for the opposite of death and apologized if anyone found the image inappropriate.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Actor Mark Hamill posted an AI-generated image on his verified Bluesky account depicting President Donald Trump in a grave, accompanied by a caption wishing Trump political accountability and disgrace. The White House condemned the post as dangerous rhetoric, referencing recent threats against the president, and the actor subsequently deleted the image and issued an apology, clarifying he was not wishing death on Trump but rather wishing him to live long enough to face consequences.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation, Deceptive Social Media Filters

Mr Justice Brian Cregan, a judge in Ireland, requested the removal of an online video that displayed an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself. The video was posted by Patrick McGreal, a self-styled 'justice facilitator' and prolific litigant. Justice Cregan described the use of his likeness in the AI-generated clip as inappropriate.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Actor Mark Hamill faced backlash after posting an AI-generated image on his Bluesky account depicting Donald Trump lying in a grave with a headstone reading 'Donald J. Trump 1946-2024.' The White House publicly condemned the post, stating that such rhetoric contributes to political violence and citing recent assassination attempts against the president. Hamill later deleted the image and issued a statement clarifying his intent was to wish Trump political accountability rather than death, though the post had already spread widely.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

On May 8, 2026, actor Mark Hamill shared an AI-generated image on the social media platform Bluesky depicting former US President Donald Trump in a grave with the date of death listed as 2024. Hamill captioned the post with 'If only' and expressed a desire for Trump to live long enough to face accountability for his policies and actions. The White House's Rapid Response account responded by branding Hamill a 'sick individual' and claiming the rhetoric inspired assassination attempts against the President. The incident involved a manipulated image used for political commentary, which drew criticism from Trump supporters and the White House while receiving support from others who viewed the post as a legitimate expression of political dissent.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

On May 8, 2026, actor Mark Hamill posted an AI-generated image to his Bluesky social media account depicting former US President Donald Trump in a shallow grave with the text 'If Only' overlaid. The White House responded by labeling Hamill a 'sick individual' and linking the post to a rise in political violence. Hamill subsequently apologized and removed the post, clarifying that he was not advocating for Trump's death but expressing a wish for him to live long enough to face accountability for alleged crimes.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill posted an AI-generated image on the social media platform Bluesky depicting U.S. President Donald Trump in a shallow grave with the caption 'If only.' The White House responded by calling Hamill a 'sick individual' and linking the post to broader concerns about rhetoric inspiring violence against the president. Hamill later apologized for the image, clarifying that he was wishing the opposite of death for Trump, and replaced the post with a message explaining his intent.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

The White House criticized actor Mark Hamill for posting an AI-generated image on social media platform Bluesky depicting former President Donald Trump dead in a grave. The post included a headstone with a death date of 2024 and the caption 'if only,' which Hamill later clarified was not his intent and apologized for if the image was found inappropriate. The administration labeled Hamill a 'sick individual' and linked such rhetoric to assassination attempts against the president.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

In May 2026, actor Mark Hamill posted an AI-generated image on his verified Bluesky account depicting U.S. President Donald Trump in a shallow grave with a gravestone inscribed with his birth and death years. The image included text suggesting Trump should witness his political defeat and face accountability for alleged crimes. The White House responded by criticizing Hamill as a 'sick individual' and linking the rhetoric to recent assassination attempts against the President.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Actor Mark Hamill shared an AI-generated image on the social media platform Bluesky depicting Donald Trump in a shallow grave with the caption 'If Only.' The White House condemned the post, calling Hamill a 'sick individual,' and Hamill subsequently issued an apology and removed the image after facing backlash. Hamill later clarified his intentions, stating he wished for Trump to live long enough to be held accountable for his crimes.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

A manipulated image circulated online depicting Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix's legs was debunked as fake. The image was created by Photoshopping an existing photo of Alex Smith's legs from 2024 to make it appear as if it were Nix. Medical professionals confirmed that Nix underwent a routine ankle procedure, and the image was not a real photo of the quarterback.

Topics: Image Manipulation

In Datong, Shanxi Province, China, cyber police detained a local internet user named Xing for using an AI-generated image of Cheng Li-wun, the chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), in livestream sales. The user created a digital avatar of Cheng without authorization to promote products during her recent mainland visit, which authorities stated disrupted online order and generated negative social impact. Xing was placed under administrative detention for illegally appropriating another person's identity for fraudulent purposes in violation of the Public Security Administrative Penalty Law.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Actor Mark Hamill posted an AI-generated image depicting Donald Trump deceased in a grave with the caption 'If Only,' alongside text expressing hope for Trump's political downfall. The White House Rapid Response 47 account on X responded by criticizing Hamill as a 'sick individual' and accusing him of contributing to rhetoric linked to assassination attempts. Hamill subsequently amended his post to remove the AI image and replace it with a different picture, issuing an apology for the inappropriate content.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

In Taunton, Massachusetts, Republican state representative candidate Larry Quintal posted an AI-modified image of his Democratic opponent, Lisa Field, on his campaign Facebook page. The image altered Field's expression from a smile to a scowl without a disclaimer, as part of a campaign graphic highlighting her missed votes. Field expressed disappointment, noting the manipulation aligns with the type of AI use upcoming Massachusetts legislation aims to prevent. The incident sparked debate over copyright fair use and the increasing prevalence of AI-generated images in political advertising.

Topics: Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

Actor Mark Hamill faced online backlash after sharing an AI-generated image depicting Donald Trump deceased next to a gravestone. The image, posted on the social media platform Bluesky, showed Trump in a field of dandelions beside a tombstone with the years 1946-2024. Hamill captioned the post with the words 'If Only' and allegedly added text suggesting Trump should live to witness political defeat and accountability for alleged crimes. Following the controversy, Hamill issued an apology on Bluesky, clarifying that he was wishing the opposite of death for Trump but acknowledging the image was inappropriate.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

On May 7, 2026, actor Mark Hamill posted an AI-generated image depicting Donald Trump lying next to a gravestone on social media. The image was intended to express Hamill's desire for Trump to be held accountable for his actions, though Hamill later clarified that he was not wishing Trump to be dead. The White House Rapid Response X account responded to the post by criticizing Hamill as a 'sick individual' and a 'lunatic,' linking the image to broader concerns about rhetoric that could inspire violence against the president.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

On May 7, 2026, actor Mark Hamill shared an AI-generated image on Bluesky depicting former U.S. President Donald Trump deceased in an open grave with the caption 'If Only,' expressing a wish for Trump to live long enough to face legal consequences. The White House's Rapid Response team responded by calling Hamill a 'sick individual' and linking the rhetoric to recent assassination attempts against the president. Hamill later deleted the original post and issued a clarification stating he had wished for the opposite of death but apologized for the inappropriate image.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, faced a viral deepfake image generated by artificial intelligence that depicted her in underwear sitting on a bed. The image spread on social media and was mistaken by some viewers for a real photograph, drawing criticism from users who condemned the portrayal as shameful and unworthy of her institutional role. Meloni responded on Facebook, warning that people are willing to use any means to spread falsehoods and urging others to verify content before sharing it. The incident highlighted the risks of AI-generated imagery, prompting Italy to become the first EU country to adopt laws regulating AI use, which can lead to prison sentences for creating harmful deepfakes. A pornographic website that posted manipulated images of Meloni and other prominent Italian women was shut down by Italian police following the scandal.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

An AI-generated image was shared on social media falsely depicting a mother and son as victims of the Jabalpur boat tragedy that occurred on April 30, 2026. Fact-checking using reverse image search and AI-detection tools confirmed the image was 94.2 percent likely to be AI-generated, and the Collector of Jabalpur clarified that the image was unrelated to the actual incident.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Authenticity Harm

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to the circulation of an AI-generated deepfake image depicting her in lingerie, which was presented online as authentic. Meloni publicly addressed the incident, stating the image was fake and expressing concern about the broader implications of such content, including the potential for harassment and scams against individuals without significant platforms. She urged the public to verify information before sharing it online, highlighting the difficulty of controlling the spread of misleading visual content.

Topics: Deepfake, Authenticity Harm

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared an AI-generated deepfake image of herself sitting on a bed in underwear, which she stated was created by political opponents to deceive the public. She highlighted the danger of such synthetic media, noting that while she could defend herself, others could not, and urged people to verify content before sharing. Meloni also mentioned an ongoing libel suit against a man accused of creating deepfake pornographic images using her face.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Authenticity Harm

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly denounced a viral deepfake image depicting her in lingerie, characterizing it as a political attack and a dangerous use of artificial intelligence. She shared the manipulated photo on social media, joking that the creator had 'improved' her appearance, while warning that such tools can deceive and manipulate anyone, urging the public to verify images before sharing them.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation, Authenticity Harm

On May 6, 2026, actor Mark Hamill shared an AI-generated image on his Bluesky account depicting President Donald Trump deceased in a casket with a gravestone dated 1946-2024. The post included a caption expressing a wish for Trump to live long enough to face political consequences. Following backlash from the White House, Hamill deleted the post on May 7 and issued an apology, clarifying that the image was inappropriate and that he had intended to wish the opposite of death for the president.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

On April 25, 2026, social media posts falsely claimed that Saudi authorities had banned photography and videography at holy sites during the annual hajj pilgrimage. These posts were accompanied by an AI-generated image purportedly showing a sign about the ban. The image contained inconsistencies, including a watermark from Google's Gemini AI tool and text written in Urdu rather than Arabic, the official language of Saudi Arabia. While Saudi authorities have encouraged pilgrims to be considerate of fellow worshippers, they have not implemented a ban on photo or video taking at the Grand Mosque or other holy sites.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Authenticity Harm

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reshared a sexualised deepfake image of herself sitting on a bed in lingerie to expose the dangers of AI-generated image abuse. The image had already circulated online with many users believing it to be real. Meloni highlighted that while she has the platform to defend herself against such abuse, many other victims do not, and urged people to verify content before sharing it. She noted that deepfakes are a dangerous tool that can deceive and manipulate anyone, with women in politics being disproportionately targeted by sexualised or explicit AI-generated content designed to humiliate and discredit.

Topics: Deepfake, Visual Impersonation

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni condemned a deepfake image depicting her in lingerie, which was circulated online. She warned about the dangers of AI-manipulated media and shared the misleading photo on Facebook with commentary emphasizing the potential harm of unverified content. While it remains uncertain if she will seek legal action, this incident highlights the potential for deepfakes to deceive and manipulate public figures.

Topics: Deepfake, Visual Impersonation

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni denounced a deepfake image of herself posing in bed wearing lingerie as a political attack. The image was circulated on social media with commentary suggesting she should be ashamed, and Meloni shared it on Facebook to warn against sharing such unverified AI-generated content. She acknowledged the manipulation made her look better but emphasized that deepfakes can deceive and target anyone, noting that people will use any means to fabricate lies.

Topics: Deepfake, Authenticity Harm

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni denounced the circulation of a deepfake image depicting her in bed wearing lingerie, which she shared on Facebook with a post from a user named Roberto. Meloni warned against sharing such unverified AI-generated images on social media, noting that while the manipulation made her look better, it was used to attack and fabricate lies against her. She acknowledged the danger of deepfakes as tools that can deceive and target individuals, though it was not immediately clear if she would report the incident to law enforcement.

Topics: Deepfake

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni denounced the circulation of a deepfake image depicting her in bed wearing lingerie, which she shared on Facebook with a post from a user named Roberto. Meloni warned against sharing such unverified images on social media, noting that while the manipulation made her look better, it was used to attack and fabricate lies against her. She acknowledged the danger of deepfakes as tools that can deceive and target individuals, though it was not immediately clear if she would report the incident to law enforcement.

Topics: Deepfake

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni denounced the circulation of a deepfake image depicting her in bed wearing lingerie, which she shared on Facebook with a post from a user named Roberto. Meloni warned against sharing such unverified images on social media, noting that while the manipulation made her look better, it was used to attack and fabricate lies against her. She acknowledged the danger of deepfakes as tools that can deceive and target individuals, though it was not immediately clear if she would report the incident to law enforcement.

Topics: Deepfake

On May 5, 2026, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the circulation of AI-generated deepfake images depicting her in lingerie. She posted the image on social media and warned that deepfakes are a dangerous tool capable of deceiving and manipulating individuals, urging people to verify content before sharing. Meloni also noted she had previously filed a libel suit over similar deepfake images two years prior. The incident has prompted renewed discussion regarding legal and regulatory responses to AI-manipulated media in Italy and Europe.

Topics: Deepfake, Authenticity Harm

An AI-generated image depicting three young men in slippers and with uncovered heads at Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar went viral on Instagram, sparking outrage for violating Sikh religious norms. The individual who posted the image removed it and apologized, claiming it was unintentional. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has launched an investigation into the image, with its legal advisor stating it will undergo technical examination to determine further action.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Authenticity Harm

Fact-checkers reported that an AI-generated image depicting a 'baby Trump' emerging from the Statue of Liberty did not originate from President Donald Trump's Truth Social account. Snopes identified the image as belonging to Instagram user adam.the.creator, noting a faint watermark and an upload date of April 29. Searches of Truth Social, X, and archived deleted posts found no evidence that the president posted the image, though other outlets like ABC News and indy100 noted a separate incident where Trump posted and deleted a different AI-generated image of himself in a Jesus-like robe.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

In May 2026, an AI-generated image depicting U.S. President Donald Trump as Jesus delivering a 'baby Trump' from the Statue of Liberty circulated on social media as an alleged screenshot from his Truth Social account. Fact-checkers verified that Trump did not post this specific image on any of his accounts, including Truth Social, X, or archives of deleted posts. The image contained a watermark from an Instagram user, adam.the.creator, who has a history of publishing similar fake AI-generated content. While Trump did share and delete a different AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like figure in April 2026, the specific image in question was not posted by him.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Image Manipulation

An altered image depicting Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells wearing a gold Gucci suit and luxury accessories in parliament was circulated on social media platforms like Facebook and X. The image was created by cropping and modifying a genuine photo of Wells wearing a white suit, taken in October 2025. The manipulated image was shared in anti-Labor groups and posts to criticize the minister's travel expenses and family entitlements, drawing vitriol and accusations of waste against her and the Labor government. The minister's office confirmed the circulating image was fake, and a reverse image search traced the source to a critic's post and an ABC News article.

Topics: Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

An AI-generated image depicting Iranian troops guarding captured Israeli soldiers in the Strait of Hormuz was shared on social media platforms, particularly in Indonesia, without official confirmation of the event. The image contained visual inconsistencies such as distorted faces and unnatural bonds, indicating it was fabricated. Despite the lack of official reports confirming the capture of Israeli soldiers, the post garnered significant engagement and comments from users who appeared to believe the content was genuine.

Topics: Synthetic Image

An AI-generated image depicting a mother and child holding each other was shared on social media as if it showed the bodies of victims from a boat accident in Jabalpur, India. NewsMeter fact-checked the claim and found the image to be misleading, noting discrepancies in clothing colors and visual artifacts like an unnatural bangle shadow. The official Jabalpur Collector confirmed the image was AI-generated and unrelated to the actual incident, where victims were found wearing different colored clothes.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Authenticity Harm

An AI-generated image depicting former BJP MP Locket Chatterjee at a Trinamool Congress (TMC) office was shared on social media with a false claim that she was in contact with the party. Fact-checking using reverse image search, keyword searches, and AI detection tools (Hive Moderation and WasItAI) confirmed the image was generated by AI with over 99 percent likelihood. The incident involves the dissemination of a synthetic image to mislead viewers about Chatterjee's political affiliations and activities.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

On April 30, 2026, an AI-manipulated image of European Parliament member Alice Teodorescu Måwe was shared on Facebook in the group 'Sverige UT ur NATO – Lämna DCA avtalet !'. The image, created from a photo originally posted on Teodorescu Måwe's Instagram account in May 2024, depicts her wearing a scarf with the Israeli flag pattern. The manipulation was not immediately obvious to viewers, though minor AI generation artifacts were visible upon closer inspection, such as a distorted Star of David. The post received over 1,500 interactions on Facebook and also appeared on Twitter/X with less traction. Källkritikbyrån reported the incident and sought comment from Teodorescu Måwe and the Christian Democrats.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself holding an assault rifle on Truth Social, accompanied by a warning to Iran to 'get smart soon' regarding a non-nuclear deal. The image depicted Trump against a backdrop of missiles striking buildings as part of a broader geopolitical standoff between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

In the Basque Country, tensions escalated between the PNV and Socialist parties following the publication of an AI-generated image of nationalist leader Aitor Esteban jumping into a pool. The image was posted by the Socialist party (PSE-EE) as an ironic comment during negotiations over the Statute of Autonomy and Basque language requirements. The PNV condemned the image as unacceptable and announced the cancellation of a scheduled meeting with Socialist representatives.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Moab police debunked an AI-generated image circulating online that appeared to show an ICE agent at a high school. The Moab City Police Department stated on social media that the image was created using artificial intelligence software and warned that such hoaxes can cause public alarm and become criminal. Officials confirmed that only local officers were present at Moab schools, with a school resource officer and district administrators also on site.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Baltimore County Councilmember Julian Jones denounced a digitally altered image of him circulating on social media that portrayed him as antisemitic. The image was an AI-generated or manipulated depiction shared online, which the councilmember publicly criticized.

Topics: Synthetic Image

Rishikesh Police booked Rasik Maharaj for allegedly using artificial intelligence to create a fake photograph of himself with Vice President CP Radhakrishnan. The accused circulated the digitally altered image on Facebook and various news platforms to falsely demonstrate proximity to high-ranking officials during the AIIMS Rishikesh convocation ceremony held on April 23. Police confirmed the accused's name was not on the official guest list for the Vice President's event, and a case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

On April 24, 2026, BanglaFact, the fact-checking wing of Press Institute Bangladesh, identified a fabricated photo card circulating on social media that falsely attributed a statement to Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam. The viral image claimed the minister said that recording and sharing incidents of extortion on social media would lead to swift punishment under cyber laws, but fact-checkers found the minister made no such remark. Instead, his original statement from a parliamentary session on April 21 regarding legal action against unauthorized video publication was distorted and taken out of context to create misinformation.

Topics: Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

Baltimore County Councilmember Julian Jones denounced a digitally altered image of him circulating on social media that depicted him with a Hitler-like moustache, raising his arm in a 'Heil Hitler' salute, and wearing a keffiyeh in the style of Yasser Arafat. Jones, a Democrat running for Baltimore County Executive, described the image as a highly offensive meme used to attack his campaign and exploit fears within the Jewish community. He called on fellow candidates to denounce the tactics used against him and expressed hope that the creator would feel shame and not repeat the behavior. The incident involved the use of AI tools to create a deceptive image for political harassment purposes.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

A social media news creator shared an AI-generated image depicting body bags being loaded into an ambulance at the scene of a triple homicide in Hastings, New Zealand. The image, posted by a page called Australia/NZ Crime TV, included an AI-generated error where the word 'ambulance' was misspelled on a vehicle in the background. NetSafe and New Zealand Police issued warnings about the harm caused by such fabricated crime scene imagery, which can blur the line between reality and fiction, fuel confusion, and distress communities already dealing with trauma. The creator stated their intent was not to cause distress and that they were reviewing their use of AI to ensure content remained respectful. Police noted that existing laws apply to misleading or harmful content, but there is no specific law targeting AI-generated images, urging the public to verify accuracy before sharing.

Topics: Synthetic Image

South Korean police arrested a man in his 40s on April 23 for distributing an AI-generated image of a wolf that had escaped from a zoo in Daejeon. The fabricated image, created using generative artificial intelligence, was shared by the city government and major media outlets, causing a frantic search that delayed the wolf's recapture by nine days. The arrested man admitted to the charges, stating he created and shared the image for fun, and was charged with obstructing official duties by deception.

Topics: Synthetic Image

South Korean police arrested a man in his 40s on April 23 for distributing an AI-generated image of a wolf that had escaped from a zoo in Daejeon. The fabricated image, created using generative artificial intelligence, was shared by the city government and major media outlets, causing a frantic search that delayed the wolf's recapture by nine days. The arrested man admitted to the charges, stating he created and shared the image for fun, and was charged with obstructing official duties by deception.

Topics: Synthetic Image

Police in Bangladesh arrested a 24-year-old college student, Shakil Ahmed, for allegedly creating and sharing an offensive AI-generated image of Zaima Rahman on social media. The detainee, a third-year student at Tejgaon College in Dhaka, posted the manipulated image from his personal Facebook account on Tuesday, accompanied by derogatory remarks targeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The post went viral, sparking anger among local BNP leaders and activists, prompting authorities to launch a drive and detain the suspect. Police confirmed the authenticity of the post, and preparations are underway to file a case against Shakil under the Information and Communication Technology Act.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

A social media user named Shirish on X shared a hyper-realistic AI-generated image of a UCO Bank cheque for ₹69,000, claiming it was created using OpenAI's ChatGPT Images 2.0 model. The image displayed authentic-looking bank details, signatures, and MICR bands, sparking widespread alarm and discussions about the potential for fraud and the reliability of AI-generated visual content. LiveMint reported that the model can now accurately render text and generate working QR codes, raising concerns about the creation of convincing fake documents such as cheques, identity cards, and official forms.

Topics: Synthetic Image

Baltimore City Inspector General Isabel Cumming shared a social media post featuring an A.I.-generated image of Mayor Brandon Scott, depicting him surrounded by money and smoking a cigar. The Mayor's Office Chief of Staff, J.D. Merrill, criticized the post as politically charged, misleading, and inappropriate, requesting a review of Cumming's conduct. Cumming responded that she shared a link to third-party video commentary on her personal Facebook account, did not endorse the satirical A.I.-generated image, and removed the post upon receiving feedback.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation, Authenticity Harm

A 49-year-old man from Coral Springs, Florida, was arrested by the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office for allegedly creating and sending a nude AI-generated image of a 17-year-old coworker at Boca West Country Club. The victim, who worked in the fitness department, reported that the suspect obtained her Instagram account, made sexual comments, and sent her an AI-edited screenshot from one of her TikTok videos that depicted her fully nude. The suspect allegedly threatened to expose her if she did not resume communication and sent additional messages expressing affection and offering money. Investigators reviewed Zelle records showing financial transactions and messages indicating grooming of a minor, and the suspect was booked into jail with a bond set at $75,000.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image

The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office in Colorado used artificial intelligence to generate an image of Kaden Sites, a 27-year-old missing hunter, to assist in his search. The AI-generated image depicted Sites wearing a gray hoodie and carrying a rifle and binocular pack, based on descriptions provided by the public. The department obtained permission from Sites' family before releasing the image to search teams and online, marking the first time the agency used AI for law enforcement purposes. Sheriff Andy Rohrich stated the technology was used to train searchers and the public on Sites' clothing and possessions, though he noted ethical limits on using AI in criminal investigations or with evidence.

Topics: Synthetic Image

A Facebook post by the account @T.bigpicture shared an AI-generated image depicting Donald Trump without visible damage to his ear following the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. The post claimed the White House had rejected allegations that the event was staged, using the manipulated image to support this assertion. Fact-checkers identified the image as AI-generated, noting that legitimate news reports and photos from Getty Images from the same day showed Trump with blood on his ear and face. Additionally, the car door in the image was bent in an impossible way, and an AI detection tool rated the image as 100% likely to be AI-generated.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Image Manipulation

A photoshopped image of Lebanese actress Ghina Ghandour circulated on social media, where users used it to mock her appearance and focus on signs of aging. Ghandour responded by reposting the edited image on her own account and speaking out against using aging as an insult, emphasizing that growing older is a natural part of life. Following her post, many users expressed support for her stance against online bullying and for promoting a more respectful attitude toward aging and appearance.

Topics: Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office in Texas is investigating an AI-generated explicit image depicting a student from the Buna Independent School District. The image was reported circulating on social media, and the sheriff's office Criminal Investigations Division began speaking with staff and students at Buna High School. Investigators have not yet identified suspects but are preparing legal documents to seek information from social media platforms and digital records.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image

Thomas Christopher Ball, a 49-year-old man from Broward County, Florida, faced felony charges after investigators determined he used artificial intelligence to create an explicit image of a teenage coworker at Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton. Ball allegedly followed the teen on social media, sent inappropriate messages, and after she distanced herself at work, he continued contacting her online. He sent an AI-generated explicit photo of her nude, which was created from older images of her when she was younger, and threatened to expose her if she ignored him. A friend of Ball later called 911, reporting that he allegedly came to her home looking for a firearm to shoot the girl who got him fired. Ball was arrested and faces three felony charges, including altered sexual depictions of an identifiable person, sending harmful material to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image

Richard Tice, deputy leader of the Reform party, shared a photo on social media depicting campaigners on the campaign trail in Birmingham. Analysis by Peryton Intelligence, a digital intelligence company, found the image was almost certainly manipulated using AI, citing anomalies such as extra fingers on a campaigner's hands, smeared facial features, and inconsistencies in text and background elements. While Tice claimed the photo showed increased support for Reform in the area, the Reform party denied the campaigners were fake, stating the image was real but slightly edited using AI to increase brightness.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Image Manipulation

A fake photo card featuring State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit was circulated on Facebook, falsely claiming he visited 10 petrol pumps and that there was no fuel shortage. A General Diary was filed at Ramna Model Police Station by the minister's private secretary, alleging intentional misinformation to tarnish the minister's image and the country's energy sector. The investigation noted the minister had actually been working on energy crisis issues and had returned to Dhaka after inspecting infrastructure in Chattogram and Matarbari.

Topics: Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

On April 20, 2026, a gunman identified as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso of Mexico opened fire on tourists at the Pyramid of the Moon at the Teotihuacán archaeological site in Mexico, wounding 13 people and killing one Canadian. Authorities confirmed that an AI-generated image found at the scene depicted Jasso posing with Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the perpetrators of the 1999 Columbine school shooting. The image appeared alongside other items found at the site, including pictures of Jasso performing a Nazi salute, a gun, and a knife. The incident occurred on the 27th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, and Jasso later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

In Australia, a 19-year-old named William Hamish Yeates pleaded guilty to creating and distributing deepfake pornography, marking the first prosecution under new national laws targeting non-consensual sexual image manipulation. The charges, which could carry up to seven years in prison, included creating or manipulating sexual material without consent, distributing it, and using online services in a harassing manner. The images were shared across multiple social media accounts without the victim's permission.

Topics: Deepfake

Satirical panel show Have I Got News For You mocked an AI-generated image of Donald Trump depicting himself as Jesus. The image was shared by Trump, who later claimed it was intended to show him as a doctor, a clarification that prompted further jokes from the panel. Ian Hislop noted the image closely resembled William Holman Hunt's famous painting The Light of the World.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image on his Truth Social account depicting himself in white robes and a red sash, resembling traditional depictions of Jesus Christ, while healing a sick man. The post drew outrage from religious leaders and conservatives, leading Trump to delete the image after roughly half a day. Trump later claimed the image was intended to show him as a 'doctor' or 'Red Cross worker,' but the visual elements were widely interpreted as portraying him as a Jesus-like healer.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation, Deceptive Social Media Filters

In April 2026, an AI-generated image depicting a helicopter crash in Eldama Ravine, Baringo county, Kenya, circulated on social media with a false caption claiming six occupants, including high-ranking officials, had perished. The image was posted on April 16, 2026, but fact-checkers identified it as fabricated using artificial intelligence tools. The registration number '5Y-DSB' on the helicopter in the image matched the aircraft involved in a fatal crash that occurred in February 2026, which killed lawmaker Johana Ng'eno and five others. Additionally, the security uniforms and the appearance of the burning wreckage in the image were inconsistent with known details from the February incident and standard Kenyan police attire. Africa Check confirmed that no second crash occurred on April 16, 2026, and the image was originally published as early as March 2, 2026, labeled as AI-generated in an article about the February crash.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Authenticity Harm

President Donald Trump faced criticism from conservative Christian activists after an AI-generated image depicting him dressed as Jesus healing a man was published. Trump defended the image, stating it was not intended as a depiction of Jesus but rather to portray himself as a doctor who helps people feel better. The image, which showed Trump in a white shirt and red robe with his hand over a sick man's forehead, was removed from social media on Monday after being online for a day.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, which drew scrutiny from political allies. The image showed him in a white and red robe with golden light, touching the head of a sick man, evoking classic Christian imagery. Trump later claimed the photo depicted him as a 'doctor' and deleted it. He subsequently participated in an America Reads the Bible event, reading a passage from the Old Testament.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

US President Donald Trump faced controversy after posting an AI-generated image on Truth Social depicting himself in a Jesus-like role, which he later deleted. The image showed Trump in a white robe with his hand on a man's head in a healing gesture, set against symbolic background imagery. Critics, including some of his own supporters, deemed the post inappropriate and offensive, while Trump insisted it portrayed him as a doctor. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions with Pope Leo XIV, following Trump's public attacks on the Pope.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

USAs president Donald Trump publiserte et KI-generert bilde av seg selv som en Jesus-lignende skikkelse på en sosial medieplattform. Innlegget ble slettet etter kritikk fra flere støttespillere, som beskrev handlingen som grov blasfemi. Trump hevdet senere at han trodde KI-verktøyet framstilte ham som en lege.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

A Deltona couple received a phone call claiming their missing beagle mix, Archer, had been hit by a car and required emergency surgery. The caller sent a photo of the dog appearing to be on an operating table and requested $2,746 for the procedure via Zelle. The couple investigated the caller's claims and realized the details were inconsistent, such as the caller not knowing specific medical details about the dog's injury. They refused to pay and confirmed their suspicions when they called back, realizing it was a scam. The dog was later found by a neighbor and returned home in poor condition. Law enforcement is investigating the incident.

Topics: Image Manipulation

A 37-year-old man from Ohio, James Strahler II, became the first person convicted under the Take It Down Act for creating and distributing thousands of non-consensual intimate images generated using artificial intelligence. He used over 100 different AI tools to superimpose victims' faces onto pornographic material, targeting women and children. Despite being arrested, he continued his activities while awaiting trial, leading the FBI to discover additional material during a later search of his property.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Deepfake

In April 2026, social media posts shared a manipulated image of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos to falsely accuse a major broadcaster of concealing his ill health. The altered image, originally taken by GMA News in April 2026, was edited to add a 2024 date and circulate alongside claims that the broadcaster was hiding the president's condition. GMA News clarified that the image was manipulated to reflect an incorrect meeting date and that the blurred version was standard protocol before being replaced by a clear image showing the correct date.

Topics: Image Manipulation

On April 5, 2026, a post circulated in Ethiopia on the Afaan Oromoo platform falsely claimed that over 570 Russian troops had arrived in Tehran to support Iran's ground operations. The post included two images: one depicting soldiers with Russian and Chechen flags, and another showing a military convoy. AFP Fact Check determined the claim was false, identifying one image as AI-generated and the other as an old photo from 2022 taken in Chechnya, unrelated to the Middle East conflict.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

Et israelsk luftangrep traff en bil med tre journalister i Sør-Libanon, hvorav alle ble drept. Det israelske militæret (IDF) publiserte et bilde av den drepte journalisten Ali Shoeib i militæruniform på X, men innrømmet senere at bildet var redigert i Photoshop etter å ha blitt utfordret om kilden. VG har stilt flere oppfølgingsspørsmål til IDF, men henvendelsen er per nå ikke besvart.

Topics: Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

Collien Fernandes, a 44-year-old actress and media personality based in Berlin, reported that her ex-husband, actor Christian Ulmen, secretly engaged in online sexual misconduct against her for approximately ten years. The alleged behavior included the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography, fake social media accounts posting nude images, and the use of her identity for sexual conversations and fantasies. Fernandes publicly accused Ulmen in December 2024, following a documentary she participated in about the issue. Ulmen denies spreading deepfake content, claiming the material involved porn actors resembling her or images of female bodies without visible faces. Fernandes is seeking legal resolution in Spain due to stronger protections for victims of online violence there, after the couple separated last year.

Topics: Deepfake

Falske, KI-genererte bilder og videoer av prinsesse Elisabeth av Belgia har sirkulert på sosiale medier, inkludert en Facebook-profil som utgir seg for å være prinsessen. Bildene viser henne i intime eller usannsynlige situasjoner, som dansende i en fengselscelle, og har skapt oppstuss i Belgia. Det belgiske kongehuset har uttalt at de tar grep for å fjerne innholdet, men det er ikke kjent hvilke spesifikke tiltak som er iverksatt. Prinsesse Elisabeth har tidligere blitt utsatt for lignende KI-genererte bilder.

Topics: Deepfake

Belgian social media platforms have been flooded with dozens of AI-generated deepfake videos depicting Princess Elisabeth in various scenarios, including dancing in a prison cell and giving kisses. These videos, which fall under the deepfake category where a celebrity's face is used in false content, often of an intimate nature, have caused significant public concern in Belgium. The Belgian royal palace has confirmed awareness of the false images and is taking necessary steps to have them removed as quickly as possible. A Facebook profile impersonating the princess with nearly 30,000 followers has been identified as a primary source, publishing numerous images of the Belgian royals in recent weeks. Princess Elisabeth has previously been subjected to similar incidents, including a false image from last year that suggested a romance with Prince George of Liechtenstein, which was later debunked as AI-generated.

Topics: Deepfake, Visual Impersonation

Israel's military posted a post on X on Saturday following the killing of three journalists in Lebanon, accusing one of them, Ali Hassan Shaib, of being part of a Hezbollah armed wing. The post included an image combining two photos of Shaib, one showing him in military uniform, which Israel later admitted was fake and photoshopped. The military stated in a written comment to Fox News that no such photo actually existed.

Topics: Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

The Belgian royal house has taken measures to remove false AI-generated images and videos of Crown Princess Elisabeth. A false Facebook profile, which claimed to be the Belgian princess, circulated numerous manipulated videos and images, including depictions of the princess dancing in revealing clothing and giving a kiss to the camera. The profile also generated content featuring other members of the royal family. Despite being false, the content received hundreds of likes and comments. The Belgian royal house confirmed awareness of the false account and stated it has taken necessary steps to remove the content as soon as possible.

Topics: Deepfake, Visual Impersonation

On March 28, 2026, the Israeli military published an image depicting Lebanese journalist Ali Shoeib wearing a Hezbollah uniform to justify an airstrike that killed him and two other journalists. The image was later admitted by the Israeli military to be photoshopped, with spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nadav Shoshani describing it as a 'digital illustration' that combined an authentic photo with an edited part. The Foreign Press Association criticized the military for discrediting Shoeib by releasing inaccurate information and allegations without clear evidence.

Topics: Image Manipulation

Tysk skuespiller Collien Fernandes anklager sin eksmann, Christian Ulmen, for å ha spredt falske nakenbilder og deepfake-videoer av henne på nettet. Fernandes hevder at Ulmen brukte kunstig intelligens til å lage innholdet og utgitt seg for å være henne i flere år. Saken har utløst store demonstrasjoner i Tyskland og press på regjeringen for strengere lover mot digital vold mot kvinner. Fernandes har valgt å anmelde saken i Spania, hvor paret tidligere bodde, og der etterforskes saken for ærekrenkelser og trusler.

Topics: Deepfake

On February 6, 2026, an AI-generated image depicting Swedish Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson and financier Jeffrey Epstein was shared in a Facebook group with over 150,000 members. The image was posted by an anonymous group member and sparked discussion among members about its authenticity, with some believing it to be real while others identified it as a fake. Magdalena Andersson's press secretary confirmed the image was AI-generated and false, noting that Andersson had never met Epstein. Visual analysis suggested the image was AI-generated due to inconsistencies in the hand holding a glass, and the image did not appear in online searches.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

The provided source material indicates that Norway has criminalized AI-generated abuse material, but the article text is inaccessible behind a paywall and contains no specific details about the incident, affected individuals, platform, or date. Consequently, the specific incident details are unknown.

Topics: Deepfake, Synthetic Image

Donald Trump posted manipulated images on Truth Social following a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The images depicted Greenland and Canada as part of the United States. The post was published on Aftenposten on 2026-01-20.

Topics: Image Manipulation, Visual Impersonation

Donald Trump publicerade AI-genererade bilder på sociala medier där han placerade den amerikanska flaggan på Grönland och tillsammans med världsledare framför en karta som markerade Kanada, Grönland och Venezuela som delar av USA. Bilderna innehöll text som påstod att Grönland var amerikanskt territorium sedan 2026. Publiceringen skedde på Truth Social i samband med Trumps avresa till Världsekonomiskt forum i Davos, där han uttryckt hopp om ett avtal om Grönland.

Topics: Synthetic Image, Visual Impersonation

Aftenposten published a debate article by an individual claiming to be Kutz Schmeiner, a Jewish businessman, which was later withdrawn after concerns arose regarding the author's identity. The article's byline image was identified as a manipulated photo of Mike Pompeo from the film 'Route 60: The Biblical Highway', while the author's Facebook profile picture was a manipulated image of Norwegian runner Runar B. Gundersen. The newspaper stated that recent information, primarily based on the image manipulation, led them to believe they had been deceived by the sender who had allegedly built a false online identity over several years.

Topics: Visual Impersonation, Digital Identity Abuse

Aftenposten published a reader contribution from an individual identified as Kutz Schmeiner, an Israeli businessperson, supporting a previous post by Asle Toje. The post was removed after a Reddit user discovered that Schmeiner does not exist and that several images on his social media profile were manipulated using artificial intelligence. Specifically, one image sourced from Trønder-Avisa had a face swapped with Schmeiner's likeness. Aftenposten confirmed the account was fake and stated they would review their verification routines after the incident.

Topics: Image Manipulation

Tokina, a camera lens manufacturer, cancelled the first prize in its 2025 annual photography competition after a Reddit community accused the winning image of being AI-generated. The company announced it would replace the winner's work with a photograph by Lee Nuttall and promised to review its judging process. The controversy centered on a winning image showing fishermen pulling in nets at sunset, which contained a SynthID watermark indicating it was created or significantly edited using Google's AI tools. While some users suggested the watermark might be added automatically for routine edits, others noted a video of the same scene filmed by the photographer showed a different time of day, suggesting AI was used to replace the sky. Tokina stated the winning entry was disqualified for violating competition rules and expressed regret over the incident.

Topics: Synthetic Image

In June 2010, a 37-year-old Utah woman named Danette Stark faced child pornography-related charges after allegedly creating and distributing flyers depicting a 13-year-old girl engaged in bestiality. According to a criminal complaint, Stark digitally superimposed the face of a female student onto an explicit image of a naked adult woman having sex with a dog found on the Internet. The flyers were distributed around the girl's middle school, with one discovered in a bathroom by a custodian in late May. The Salt Lake District Attorney described the production and distribution of the flyer as heinous, though no motive was offered. Stark was booked into a Salt Lake County jail, and her lawyer advised her not to make comments due to the delicate nature of the case involving a juvenile.

Topics: Image Manipulation