AI-generated fake image of Pentagon explosion goes viral on social media, stock markets feel the heat

AI-generated fake image of an explosion at the Pentagon briefly went viral on social media. Subsequently, US officials have confirmed that there was no explosion and it was nothing but a hoax.

However, the hoax image of explosion at Pentagon resulted in a ten-minute long dip on the stock markets on Monday.

The image, which many observers suspected came from artificial intelligence, was spread by several accounts, forcing the Pentagon to comment that there was no such explosion. "We can confirm this was a false report and the Pentagon was not attacked today," a spokesman said.




The Arlington, Virginia fire department also reacted, posting on social media that there was no explosion or incident taking place at or near the Pentagon.

The incident followed other occurrences of fake imagery that also created buzz recently on the internet, including of former US president Donald Trump getting arrested and Pope Francis in a puffer jacket stoking further talk that generative AI could cause problems to society.

The earliest tweet found by AFP sharing the Pentagon image came from a QAnon-promoting account that has previously shared disinformation, though the original source of the image was not known.

Emerging generative AI technologies make it easier for non-specialists to create convincing images in just a few moments, instead of needing the expertise to use programs such as Photoshop.

The shared image caused the markets to be knocked for a few minutes, with the S&P 500 stumbling by 0.29 percent compared to its Friday close before recovering, as per an AFP report.

FAQs

Q1. Has Pentagon been attacked?
A1. No, Pentagon has not been attacked.

Q2. What is the full form of AI?
A2. The full form of AI is Artificial Intelligence.