Woman fined for spreading AI-generated crocodile image in An Giang
A woman in An Giang province, Vietnam reported a false sighting of a crocodile based on an AI-generated image created by her child using Google Gemini. Authorities investigated, found no evidence of an actual crocodile, and fined the woman 7.5 million dong for spreading false information that caused public alarm.
What happened
On 10 June 2026, Trần Thị Thanh Nhàn reported to the authorities that she had discovered a large crocodile on Vịnh Tre channel in Núi Cấm commune, An Giang province, and provided a photograph allegedly taken by mobile phone.
Investigation revealed that Nhàn's child had used Google Gemini to generate the crocodile image and shared it in a family Zalo group, leading Nhàn to believe it was real and report it. No crocodile was found in the area, and local residents confirmed they had not seen one.
Reported impact
The AI-generated image caused public alarm and disruption to local residents, prompting authorities to conduct investigations and issue warnings to people living along the waterway.
Index analysis
The image was created using Google Gemini, an AI image generation tool, and disseminated through social media and family messaging platforms.
Governance controls
On 26 June 2026, Núi Cấm commune authorities issued an administrative fine of 7.5 million Vietnamese dong against Nhàn for providing and sharing false information on social media, including fabricating, distorting, and slandering information that harmed the reputation of organisations and individuals.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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