Misleading Images Flood Social Media Amid Lebanon Explosions
Recent explosions in Lebanon have led to a surge of misinformation on social media, with various photos and videos circulating that misrepresent the events. Over the past two days, multiple regions in Lebanon have been rocked by explosions attributed to pager wireless communication devices targeting Hezbollah members, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
Among the most widely shared images is a photo of an exploding iPhone, falsely claimed to be from Lebanon. Investigations revealed that this image actually dates back to March 2021, when an iPhone exploded while charging in Maadi, Egypt. Similarly, a photo of a bomb explosion in a public toilet was misrepresented as a recent incident in Lebanon, but it originated from Hong Kong in January 2020.
Social media accounts, particularly those linked to Israeli sources, have been instrumental in spreading these false narratives. For instance, a tweet from Dr. Eli David suggested that Hezbollah members should avoid using toilets due to fears of explosions, a claim that has no basis in reality.
Moreover, artificial intelligence-generated images have also contributed to the misinformation. One such image, purportedly showing explosions in Beirut, was identified as AI-generated with a 99.8% probability, thanks to analysis by Al Jazeera's Sanad Agency. The image featured distorted elements, including a melting Lebanese flag and featureless characters, indicating its artificial origins.
Additionally, claims regarding the explosion of various electronic devices, including laptops and solar panels, have been debunked. A photo of a laptop explosion, supposedly resulting from a hack, was traced back to a 2010 incident unrelated to current events. Similarly, a photo of solar panels exploding was linked to a fire incident in Aramoun, Lebanon, in September 2022, not the recent wave of explosions.
As the situation in Lebanon continues to evolve, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant against misleading information and verify sources before sharing content on social media.
