Beware: AI-generated flood photos and videos are circulating again

DECODED: TECH, TRUTH, AND THREATS

By Art Samaniego

As another typhoon approaches, Filipinos are once again bracing for heavy rains, and a different kind of flood: AI-generated disinformation on social media.

Over the past few days, images and videos purportedly showing “current” flooding in Metro Manila and Cebu have been circulating on social media. Many of these posts, however, are fabricated using generative AI tools such as Midjourney, Veo, or Runway.

They look real, complete with distressed citizens, floating cars, and dramatic rescues, but analysis reveals telltale signs of artificial creation: warped faces, duplicated elements, inconsistent shadows, or water reflections that defy physics.

These fake visuals spread quickly during storms because they exploit people’s emotions like fear, sympathy, and urgency to gain likes and shares. Some are used to drive traffic to clickbait sites; others are part of more dangerous scams, such as fake donation drives or phishing links disguised as “relief operations.”

What you can do

Verify before sharing. Check if the image appears in credible news outlets or official government pages (e.g., PAGASA, NDRRMC, LGU social media).

Look closely at details. AI photos often show strange textures on water, faces, or hands.
Cross-check dates and locations. Real flood photos can be verified via Google Lens or TinEye reverse image search.

Beware of fake charities and links. Only donate through verified government or NGO channels.

As we prepare for the coming typhoon, let’s also prepare for an infodemic, a storm of false visuals meant to mislead or scam. Staying alert and skeptical is as important as staying dry.