This image, which several observers believed was the result of generative artificial intelligence, once again highlighted the many problems that this advanced technology could cause to society.
This image was spread by numerous social media accounts, forcing the Pentagon to issue an official denial of its authenticity, pointing out that no explosions occurred nearby.
“We can confirm that this is fake news and that the Pentagon was not attacked today,†a spokesperson for the US Department of Defense said.
In turn, Arlington, Virginia firefighters denied the authenticity of the photo, as they confirmed on social media that there were no explosions or accidents inside or near the Pentagon.
The fake photo came after other similar photos circulating widely on the internet, including photos showing police officers arresting former President Donald Trump and another showing Pope Francis wearing a baggy white lab coat.
Regarding the fake photo of the Pentagon explosion, an investigation by AFP showed that the first tweet she posted belonged to an account promoting “Q Anon” which had previously published misleading information, even if the original source of the photo was not immediately clear. .
Thanks to generative artificial intelligence techniques, non-specialists can now create fake, but very convincing images in moments, after this task required great expertise and specialized programs such as Photoshop.
The false image of the explosion sent the stock market down for a few minutes, with the S&P 500 index losing more than a quarter of a percentage point from the price it closed on Friday, before coming back and falling. recover.
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