A Surge in AI-Driven Misinformation
Since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 13, a wave of artificial intelligence-generated disinformation has flooded social media platforms, amplifying false narratives and misleading imagery. BBC Verify has reviewed dozens of such posts, noting a sharp increase in content exaggerating Iran’s military response and capabilities.
Among the most widely viewed deceptive content were three AI-generated videos that together have surpassed 100 million views across various platforms. These clips falsely depict supposed Iranian missile strikes and significant damage inflicted on Israeli targets.
Manipulation from Both Sides
While much of the disinformation appears to favor Iran, pro-Israeli accounts have also shared misleading content. These included outdated videos of protests in Iran, falsely presented as recent demonstrations supporting Israel’s campaign. This content seeks to create an illusion of internal dissent against the Iranian regime.
According to Geoconfirmed, an organization specializing in open-source imagery analysis, the volume and sophistication of disinformation are “astonishing.” They highlighted the use of unrelated footage from countries like Pakistan, old clips from previous conflicts, and even video game simulations masquerading as real events.
Rise of AI-Generated Imagery
Emmanuelle Saliba, Chief Investigative Officer at Get Real, described the current scenario as “the first time we’ve seen generative AI be used at scale during a conflict.” AI-generated images widely circulated online include dramatic yet fictitious visuals, such as missiles raining down on Tel Aviv or Israeli jets being destroyed mid-air.
One viral image, viewed over 27 million times, appeared to show dozens of missiles targeting Tel Aviv. Another video showed what seemed to be a missile strike in the city at night—timing that makes verification more challenging due to limited visibility and context.
False Claims About F-35 Fighter Jets
Several AI-altered clips have focused on claims that Israeli F-35 fighter jets were destroyed. Lisa Kaplan, CEO of the analytics firm Alethea, noted that if these videos were accurate, Iran would have wiped out 15% of Israel’s F-35 fleet. However, no verified footage confirms any F-35 losses.
One video purported to show a downed jet in the Iranian desert, but closer examination revealed tell-tale signs of AI manipulation. The scale of nearby civilians was off, and the terrain showed no impact marks. Another TikTok video, viewed over 21 million times, sourced its footage from a flight simulator game. TikTok removed the video after BBC Verify’s inquiry.
Suspected Russian Influence
Kaplan also pointed to a possible Russian influence campaign behind some of the disinformation. A network of accounts previously linked to Russian operations appears to be exploiting the conflict to undermine confidence in Western military technology, particularly the American-made F-35.
“Russia doesn’t have a direct counter to the F-35,” Kaplan explained. “So it seeks to erode support for it globally through misinformation.”
Monetization and Social Media Dynamics
Some of the disinformation appears to be financially motivated. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram reward high-engagement content, prompting “engagement farmers” to share sensational, often false posts. These accounts frequently exhibit rapid follower growth and verified status, leading many users to mistakenly trust their content.
One such account, Daily Iran Military, grew from 700,000 followers to 1.4 million in under a week. Despite lacking formal ties to Tehran, the account consistently posts misleading content and benefits from its perceived legitimacy.
Social Media Platforms Under Fire
Platforms have struggled to contain the spread of fake content. TikTok stated it enforces guidelines against misinformation and works with independent fact-checkers. However, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, declined to comment.
X’s AI chatbot, Grok, has also come under scrutiny. In multiple instances, it incorrectly verified AI-generated videos as real, citing questionable sources and failing to identify digital anomalies like moving rocks or unnatural lighting. X has not responded to inquiries regarding Grok’s accuracy.
Global Implications and Psychological Factors
Matthew Facciani of the University of Notre Dame highlighted the psychological drivers behind the spread of disinformation. “People are more likely to share content that aligns with their political identity,” he said. “Sensationalist and emotional content travels faster online.”
As speculation grows over potential U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, AI-generated imagery of American B-2 bombers over Tehran has also emerged. Since the B-2 is one of the few aircraft capable of attacking underground nuclear sites, its depiction has drawn considerable attention, albeit often through fabricated visuals.
Even official sources have been caught disseminating misleading content. Iranian state media and the Israel Defense Forces have both shared doctored or outdated footage, further muddying the information landscape.
This article is inspired by content from BBC News. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.