A.I. fakes about the war with Iran spread widely online

The New York Times identified more than 110 A.I.-generated videos and images about the war with Iran that were seen millions of times across social platforms. U.S. officials said an Iranian claim of a successful attack on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln was false and the ship was unharmed.

A torrent of A.I.-generated images and videos about the war with Iran has circulated across major social networks in the opening weeks of the conflict. The New York Times reported finding more than 110 unique A.I. fakes that were viewed millions of times on platforms including X, TikTok and Facebook, and shared in private messaging apps. Experts and researchers said many of the pieces pushed pro-Iran narratives or exaggerated events to create a more dramatic online picture. U.S. officials later said an Iranian claim that it had struck the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln was incorrect and that the ship was unharmed. Key facts: - The New York Times identified over 110 distinct A.I.-generated images and videos about the war, seen millions of times online. - The pieces appeared across public social platforms and private messaging networks, widening their reach. - Analysts reported that much of the A.I. content carried pro-Iran narratives or exaggerated depictions of events. - U.S. officials announced that a reported attack on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln was unsuccessful and the ship remained unharmed. Summary: The spread of A.I.-generated war images and videos has added a confusing layer to online discussion about the conflict and has been used to amplify political narratives. Undetermined at this time.