Summary
A suspected AI-altered image based on a Mainichi Shimbun photograph of a man affected by the Kumamoto earthquake has spread on social media. The original image showed the man standing in front of his collapsed home with a grim expression, but the manipulated version depicted him smiling and flashing a peace sign. The fake image was posted on Threads with abusive comments and then reposted on X, where it spread further. The Mainichi Newspapers confirmed the image was likely an altered version of their published photograph, stating that such manipulation infringes copyright and harms the dignity of disaster victims.