Fact-Check: AI-Generated Image Falsely Depicts Corpses in Al-Fashir
In recent days, an image has been circulating online, purportedly showing dozens of corpses strewn across the streets of Al-Fashir, Sudan. This image has been widely shared, accompanied by claims of mass casualties in the city. However, a fact-check by Annahar reveals that the image is not authentic and was, in fact, generated by artificial intelligence.
The Spread of the False Image
The image’s dissemination coincided with reports of alleged mass executions in Al-Fashir. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are reported to have taken control of the city. The United Nations’ humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, stated that there were credible reports of mass executions following the RSF’s entry into Al-Fashir. These reports have fueled the spread of the image, amplifying the sense of crisis.
The Fact-Check: AI’s Deceptive Role
Annahar‘s investigation found that the image carries the logo of META AI, the artificial intelligence research division of Meta, formerly known as Facebook. This logo is a clear indication that the image was generated by AI. Further analysis of the image revealed several anomalies, including distorted bodies, missing limbs, and a lack of blood, all of which are common characteristics of AI-generated content. These findings were confirmed by examining the image using specialized verification sites such as Hive Google, Hive Moderation, and Sightengine, which indicated a 99.9% probability that the image was AI-generated.
Context of the Conflict
The image’s circulation follows the RSF’s control of Al-Fashir, the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in the Darfur region. The RSF has announced the arrest of several fighters suspected of committing violations during their control of the city. These arrests were made following widespread condemnation of reported human rights abuses and the killing of hundreds of civilians.
Since the RSF took control of Al-Fashir, all communications with the city have been cut off. However, survivors who reached the neighboring town of Tawaela have reported mass killings and the shooting of children in front of their families. Videos circulating online appear to show RSF elements carrying out field executions in Al-Fashir.
Conclusion
The image of corpses in Al-Fashir is not real. The image is a product of artificial intelligence. While the situation in Al-Fashir remains dire, with credible reports of mass executions, it is crucial to verify information before sharing it, especially in the context of conflict and human suffering. This fact-check highlights the importance of critical thinking and the need to be vigilant against the spread of misinformation, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues such as war and human rights violations.
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