AI-altered image of earthquake survivor shared on social media with cruel comments
A generative AI system was used to alter a photograph of a Kumamoto earthquake survivor published by Mainichi Newspaper, creating a false image of the man making a peace sign at his collapsed home. The altered image was shared on social media with cruel comments wishing for more disaster deaths, causing emotional harm to the survivor and prompting a police investigation for defamation.
What happened
A photograph of a 70-year-old earthquake survivor from Kumamoto was published by Mainichi Newspaper on July 29, 2026, showing the man at his fully collapsed home in Higashikawa Town after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on July 28, 2026.
A third party used generative AI to alter the photograph, showing the man making a peace sign at his collapsed home instead of the original image, and shared it on social media including X (formerly Twitter).
The altered image was accompanied by cruel comments including 'I wish more damage had occurred.'
Reported impact
The man stated he felt extreme anger, saying the AI-altered image was unthinkable and that he could not imagine making a peace sign at his collapsed home.
The man expressed distress at comments wishing for more disaster deaths, stating that people were treating lives lightly and that the incident hurt the pride of Kumamoto residents and disaster victims.
Index analysis
Mainichi Newspaper confirmed that the image published on its digital platform had been altered and stated the act infringed on the newspaper's copyright and damaged the survivor's dignity.
Governance controls
Kumamoto Police opened an investigation into the incident, treating it as a potential case of defamation.
Mainichi Newspaper stated it would consider legal measures in response to the copyright infringement and harm to the disaster victim.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.