AI-generated fake videos and images depicting false scenes from the war in Iran flooded social media platforms, with over 110 unique AI-generated pieces of content viewed millions of times and used as informational weapons to manipulate public perception of the conflict.
During the first weeks of the war in Iran that began February 28, 2026, The New York Times identified over 110 unique AI-generated images and videos spreading false information about the conflict across social networks including X, TikTok, and Facebook. The fake content depicted scenes that never happened, including explosions in Tel Aviv, mourning Iranians, and American military vessels under attack, collectively viewed millions of times. The content was created using sophisticated AI tools like OpenAI's Sora and Google's Gemini, with most pushing pro-Iranian views to demonstrate military superiority and exaggerate destruction. One widely circulated fake video showed Tel Aviv being pounded with missiles, viewed millions of times across platforms. The AI-generated content included 37 fake images of active war, 8 depicting destruction, and 43 memes, among other categories. Social media companies did little to combat the spread, with only some content containing watermarks identifying it as AI-generated. The fake imagery created an alternate reality more suited to social media engagement, with exaggerated Hollywood-style explosions and devastation compared to more subdued real footage. X announced it would suspend accounts from receiving revenue for 90 days if they posted unlabeled AI-generated armed conflict content, but enforcement remained limited.
Domain classification, causal taxonomy, severity scores, and national security assessments were LLM-classified and may contain errors.
Using AI systems to conduct large-scale disinformation campaigns, malicious surveillance, or targeted and sophisticated automated censorship and propaganda, with the aim of manipulating political processes, public opinion, and behavior.
AI system
Due to a decision or action made by an AI system
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed
