Public Urged To Stop Spreading AI-generated Fake Disaster Videos

BALIK PULAU, Oct 24 (Bernama) - The public must act responsibly and refrain from creating or sharing fake videos generated using artificial intelligence (AI), especially during times of disaster, said Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.

He said this in response to the circulation of a video claiming that a landslide in Paya Terubong had submerged several vehicles,  an allegation that has since been confirmed to be false.

According to Zairil, the seven-second clip was an AI-generated fake, digitally altered from an original video using artificial intelligence technology.

He criticised those responsible, saying such actions could incite unnecessary panic and confusion among the public.

“Hopefully, those involved will act more responsibly, especially during sensitive times like these,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Authorities have confirmed that a landslide and waterlogging incident did occur in the Bukit Paya Terubong area along Tingkat Paya Terubong 4 today, but the situation was far less severe than depicted in the fake video.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the incident, which occurred at 2.41 pm during heavy rain, did not result in any injuries or fatalities.

He said the downpour caused soil from the hilltop, about 100 metres high, to slide and fill the parking area of a nearby housing complex, resulting in water overflow onto the road.

“Monitoring at the site found 12 vehicles in the affected area. Our team has provided advice and assisted the owners in moving their vehicles to a safer location,” he added.

-- BERNAMA