AI-generated deepfake video falsely depicts CN Tower on fire
An AI-generated deepfake video falsely depicting the CN Tower on fire went viral on Facebook with millions of views. The CN Tower officially confirmed the video was entirely fictional, though some users were initially deceived and search queries about the supposed fire spiked online.
What happened
A video depicting the CN Tower on fire went viral on Facebook, receiving around 12 million views by the time of publication and shared more than 8,000 times.
The video was created using artificial intelligence and shows signs of being AI-generated, including smoke drifting downward unnaturally, the absence of licence plate numbers on cars, and a glossy, over-polished look.
Reported impact
Some Facebook users were fooled by the video. Google searches about a CN Tower fire spiked following its spread.
Index analysis
The video's creator is described as a 'creator of viral moments' who teaches 'AI-generated art & content' and has posted dozens of similar videos depicting famous landmarks on fire on their Facebook page.
Governance controls
The CN Tower confirmed the video is a deepfake and entirely fictional, stating 'the CN Tower remains safe, secure, and fully operational.' The tower noted this is not the first time AI-generated content or visual effects have been used to create misleading depictions of it.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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