A fabricated video depicting the CN Tower engulfed in flames circulated widely on Facebook, raising concerns about the need for social media platforms to clearly identify AI-generated content. An expert suggested that the individual responsible for the video should face legal consequences for disseminating false information designed to induce panic.
The CN Tower’s media team promptly refuted the incident, asserting that there was no fire at the iconic Toronto landmark. Despite this clarification, the video garnered over 20 million views. The misleading 24-second clip, shared on Monday, portrayed individuals capturing the alleged fire at the tower’s upper levels, prompting reactions of shock and alarm.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the CN Tower’s media team confirmed that the video was a deepfake and entirely fictional, emphasizing the tower’s safety and operational status. This incident underscores the recurring misuse of AI-generated content to fabricate misleading portrayals of the CN Tower.
Francis Syms, an associate dean at Humber Polytechnic, highlighted the urgency for social media platforms to label AI-generated content to prevent the dissemination of misinformation. Syms stressed the importance of verifying information from credible news sources and recommended legislative measures to address the rapid technological advancements outpacing regulatory frameworks.
While an AI label may offer some protection against misinformation, Syms emphasized the necessity for individuals to verify content authenticity through trusted sources. Jeffrey Dvorkin of the University of Toronto advocated for legal repercussions against individuals creating and spreading fake videos, underscoring the potential harm and irresponsibility associated with such actions.
The video’s creator, Adrian Gee, who identifies as a “creator of viral moments,” has not responded to inquiries regarding the video’s authenticity. Philip Mai from Toronto Metropolitan University’s social media lab urged caution in sharing unverified content, emphasizing the role of media literacy in combatting the spread of misinformation.