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China flood rescue drone image revealed as AI fake

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A widely shared image of a drone rescuing two people in flood-stricken Guangxi, China, has been confirmed as AI-generated.
  • While some netizens praised the image as proof of China's technological rescue capabilities, officials clarified that such a two-person lift has not been attempted.
  • The revelation has led to disappointment and criticism among Chinese netizens regarding the use of AI-generated images in disaster reporting.

A dramatic image circulating online, purportedly showing a drone lifting two people to safety during severe flooding in China's Guangxi province, has been exposed as an AI-generated fabrication. The image, which depicted a large drone suspending two individuals under floodlights, was initially hailed by some Chinese netizens as a symbol of the nation's advanced rescue technology.

The image of lifting two people was AI.

— Liang WeileiVice president of the Hengzhou Drone Association, confirming the image was AI-generated.

However, the narrative quickly unraveled when Liang Weilei, vice president of the Hengzhou Drone Association, confirmed to Beijing Daily that while drones had been deployed for rescue operations, the specific image of a two-person lift was indeed synthetic. Liang explained that while drones capable of lifting up to 100 kilograms have been used in urgent situations, lifting two people has not been attempted in the Hengzhou area.

It's actually AI

— Chinese NetizenExpressing disappointment after the image was revealed to be AI-generated.

News of the AI fabrication has sparked widespread disappointment and backlash among Chinese social media users. Many expressed frustration with the use of AI-generated imagery, with comments ranging from "It's actually AI" to "I'm increasingly disgusted by AI-generated images." Some, however, attempted to defend the use of AI, suggesting it was harmless, seemingly ignoring the official confirmation that the depicted rescue scenario had not occurred.

I'm increasingly disgusted by AI-generated images.

— Chinese NetizenExpressing frustration with the use of AI-generated images in disaster reporting.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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