Iran-Israel fighting distorted by tech-fuelled misinformation
AI deepfakes, video game footage passed off as real combat, and chatbot-generated falsehoods; such tech-enabled misinformation is distorting the Israel-Iran conflict, fuelling a war of narratives across social media.
The information warfare unfolding alongside ground combat, sparked by Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership, underscores a digital crisis in the age of rapidly advancing AI tools that have blurred the lines between truth and fabrication.
The surge in wartime misinformation has exposed an urgent need for stronger detection tools, experts say, as major tech platforms have largely weakened safeguards by scaling back content moderation and reducing reliance on human fact-checkers.
After Iran struck Israel with barrages of missiles last week, AI-generated videos falsely claimed to show damage inflicted on Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport.
The videos were widely shared across Facebook, Instagram and X.
Using a reverse image search, AFP's fact-checkers found that the clips were originally posted by a TikTok account that produces AI-generated content.
There has been a "surge in generative AI misinformation, specifically related to the Iran-Israel conflict," Ken Jon Miyachi, founder of the Austin-based firm BitMindAI, told AFP.
"These tools are being leveraged to manipulate public perception, often amplifying divisive or misleading narratives with unprecedented scale and sophistication."
GetReal Security, a U.S. company focused on detecting manipulated media including AI deepfakes, also identified a wave of fabricated videos related to the Israel-Iran conflict.
The company linked the visually compelling videos, depicting apocalyptic scenes of war-damaged Israeli aircraft and buildings as well as Iranian missiles mounted on a trailer, to Google's Veo 3 AI generator, known for hyper-realistic visuals.
The Veo watermark is visible at the bottom of an online video posted by the news outlet Tehran Times, which claims to show "the moment an Iranian missile" struck Tel Aviv.
"It is no surprise that as generative-AI tools continue to improve in photo-realism, they are being misused to spread misinformation and sow confusion," said Hany Farid, the co-founder of GetReal Security and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
Farid offered one tip to spot such deepfakes: the Veo 3 videos were normally eight seconds in length or a combination of clips of a similar duration.
"This eight-second limit obviously doesn't prove a video is fake, but should be a good reason to give you pause and fact-check before you re-share," he said.
The falsehoods are not confined to social media.
Disinformation watchdog NewsGuard has identified 51 websites that have advanced more than a dozen false claims ranging from AI-generated photos purporting to show mass destruction in Tel Aviv to fabricated reports of Iran capturing Israeli pilots.
Sources spreading these false narratives include Iranian military-linked Telegram channels and state media sources affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), sanctioned by the US Treasury Department, NewsGuard said.
"We're seeing a flood of false claims and ordinary Iranians appear to be the core targeted audience," McKenzie Sadeghi, a researcher with NewsGuard, told AFP.
Sadeghi described Iranian citizens as "trapped in a sealed information environment," where state media outlets dominate in a chaotic attempt to "control the narrative."
Iran itself claimed to be a victim of tech manipulation, with local media reporting that Israel briefly hacked a state television broadcast, airing footage of women's protests and urging people to take to the streets.
Adding to the information chaos were online clips lifted from war-themed video games.
AFP's fact-checkers identified one such clip posted on X, which falsely claimed to show an Israeli jet being shot down by Iran. The footage bore striking similarities to the military simulation game Arma 3.
Israel's military has rejected Iranian media reports claiming its fighter jets were downed over Iran as "fake news."
Chatbots such as xAI's Grok, which online users are increasingly turning to for instant fact-checking, falsely identified some of the manipulated visuals as real, researchers said.
"This highlights a broader crisis in today's online information landscape: the erosion of trust in digital content," BitMindAI's Miyachi said.
"There is an urgent need for better detection tools, media literacy, and platform accountability to safeguard the integrity of public discourse."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
29 minutes ago
- News18
Who Is Sajid Tarar, Pakistani-American Businessman Who Brokered Trump–Asim Munir White House Lunch?
Last Updated: A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, Tarar founded The American Muslims for Trump, and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim-American community A rare private lunch between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, in the prestigious White House Cabinet Room dominated global headlines this week. According to Firstpost, this was only the second time in over two decades that a Pakistani military chief was hosted at such a level in Washington—the first being General Pervez Musharraf after the 9/11 attacks. As Trump discussed regional politics, the Isarel-Iran conflict and defence technology with Munir, there was buzz over who had been able to broker the high-level luncheon. Reports now suggest that it was Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman, who orchestrated Munir's invitation during the latter's five-day US visit to strengthen bilateral ties. WHO IS SAJID TARAR? The businessman is a lawyer, activist, and Republican political figure based in Baltimore. Born in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan, Tarar immigrated to the US in the 1980s–90s, studied law at the University of Baltimore, and became a US citizen. He runs multiple business interests and serves as President of Maximus Investment Group, dealing in finance and real estate. He's also the CEO of the Center for Social Change, a Baltimore-based non-profit focused on community programmes and social services. A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, he founded The American Muslims for Trump, and has spoken at Republican National Conventions and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim American community. He served as an advisor to Trump on Muslim‑American engagement and frequently appeared in conservative media defending the administration's policies. According to Times of India and Firstpost, Tarar's influence in Republican circles extends beyond political rhetoric. His son reportedly worked at the US State Department during Trump's first term, further signaling his integration into Washington's conservative establishment. He also advocates for improved India–Pakistan relations and has, in the past, praised PM Narendra Modi and encouraged regional peace initiatives. While the meeting made headlines for its setting, it also stirred controversy in Pakistan. As Moneycontrol and Economic Times point out, there was no official representation from Pakistan's civilian government. This raises concerns about the military conducting parallel diplomacy—a long-standing criticism in Pakistan's power structure. The fact that a private individual like Tarar could facilitate such a high-level engagement without the Foreign Office being involved has unsettled parts of Islamabad's civilian leadership. WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MEETING? According to top diplomatic sources in Washington, Trump laid out a series of sweeping demands and bold offers aimed at reshaping the regional power balance during the lunch meeting. Trump has reportedly asked Pakistan for unconditional military and strategic support, including access to air bases, ground logistics, and potentially sea routes—making Pakistan a critical player in any upcoming military theatre. In return, Trump has promised Pakistan unprecedented access to American defence technology—including 5th-generation stealth jets and advanced missile systems—along with significant financial aid. Trump reportedly urged Munir to 'distance Pakistan from Eastern blocs," including BRICS, and instead re-join the US-led security framework. The Trump–Munir meeting comes amid shifting global alliances, ongoing unrest in West Asia, and a changing power dynamic in South Asia. As reported by Moneycontrol, this private diplomacy could signal a future alignment where military figures bypass diplomats. With his increasing involvement in geopolitical dialogues, Sajid Tarar may be shaping a new model of diaspora-driven diplomacy—one that sidesteps traditional gatekeepers in both Washington and Islamabad. First Published:
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Meet Eyal Ofer, the richest person in Israel with a net worth of Rs 2.5 lakh crore - He once served in Israeli Air Force
Eyal Ofer net worth: As tensions between Israel and Iran continue with no resolution in sight, Israel isn't just defending itself with military strength — it's also showcasing power through technology and economic influence. Amid this ongoing conflict, one name stands out as a symbol of Israel's success on the world stage — Eyal Ofer, the richest person in Israel. His incredible journey from a shipping apprentice to a billionaire businessman highlights his role in shaping the modern global economy. Early Life of Eyal Ofer: A Humble Beginning Born in Haifa, Israel, in 1950, Eyal Ofer was raised in a family deeply rooted in the shipping industry. His father, Sammy Ofer, a Romanian-born Israeli tycoon, was once the wealthiest man in Israel. Eyal was exposed to hard work from a young age — he spent his summers on cargo ships, loading goods, scraping paint, and travelling to international ports. This early hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future business empire. Eyal Ofer's education Ofer completed his schooling at Atlantic College in Wales, a member of the United World Colleges network. Later, he studied Maritime Law at the University of London, further sharpening his knowledge of international trade and shipping. Eyal Ofer's Military Background and Education Before venturing into business, Eyal Ofer served as an intelligence officer in the Israeli Air Force from 1967 to 1973. His discipline and strategic mindset, developed during his military service, would later prove useful in navigating the complex world of global business. Personal Life: A Glimpse into Eyal Ofer's Family and Lifestyle Eyal Ofer is married to Marilyn Ofer, and the couple has four children. They currently live in Monte Carlo, Monaco, though they previously resided in London and also own a home in Herzliya Pituah near Tel Aviv. Eyal also owns a luxurious apartment in 15 Central Park West, one of Manhattan's most exclusive addresses, which he developed himself. His personal life reflects his global lifestyle and refined taste. Eyal Ofer's Net Worth: How rich is he? As of June 21, according to Forbes, Eyal Ofer's net worth is estimated at $30.3 billion, or around Rs 2.5 lakh crore. This makes him the 60th richest person in the world and the wealthiest in Israel. His fortune is far ahead of many other billionaires worldwide, solidifying his position as a financial powerhouse. Career and Business Journey of Eyal Ofer Real Estate Empire In the 1980s, Eyal Ofer moved to New York City to begin expanding his family's real estate ventures. Through Global Holdings, he built a property empire with investments across Manhattan, London, and Europe. His residential projects include some of the world's most expensive and iconic buildings like 15 Central Park West, 520 Park Avenue, and 50 United Nations Plaza. Global Holdings owns more than 120 properties and over 1,500 hotel rooms, and Eyal serves as its chairman. The company also holds a major stake in Miller Global Properties, focusing on commercial and residential developments. Shipping and Maritime Business Eyal Ofer is the chairman of the Zodiac Group, one of the largest private shipping companies in the world, operating over 180 vessels. It is the biggest operator of ships under the Red Ensign flag. He also served as a board director at Royal Caribbean Cruises, where he holds a significant stake. His impact on the shipping industry is widely recognised. Lloyd's List has consistently ranked him among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Shipping, even placing him in the Top 10 multiple times. Energy Ventures Through O.G. Energy, Eyal Ofer has stepped into the energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy and green hydrogen. In 2022, he invested in Tree Energy Solutions (TES), a Belgium-based green hydrogen company. He also owns O.G. Oil & Gas, with exploration rights in Southeast Asia and Australasia, and holds a 70% stake in New Zealand Oil & Gas. Investments in Technology Eyal Ofer is also deeply invested in technology through O.G. Venture Partners, a venture capital fund that supports early-growth tech start-ups. Its Fund I launched in 2017 with $150 million, and Fund II in 2022 with $400 million. Notably, in 2024, Ofer-backed gaming start-up SuperPlay was acquired by Playtika for up to $1.95 billion, one of the largest deals in the mobile gaming space. Awards and Global Influence Eyal Ofer's influence goes beyond business. In 2014, he received an honorary lifetime membership of the Baltic Exchange in London for his contribution to global shipping. Past recipients include Winston Churchill and the Duke of Edinburgh. He is also a regular speaker at global forums such as the Milken Institute and the World Economic Forum in Davos. In 2018, he joined the Advisory Board of Bloomberg New Economy Forum, aligning himself with global leaders in business and policy. Eyal Ofer's story is one of vision, hard work, and smart investments across shipping, real estate, energy, and technology. From his early life as a deckhand to becoming a billionaire mogul, his journey is truly inspiring. With a net worth of Rs 2.5 lakh crore, Eyal Ofer not only dominates Israel's financial world but also leaves a strong mark on the global stage. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here
Indian Express
33 minutes ago
- Indian Express
NATO leaders to meet amid Israel-Iran conflict: What's on the table?
NATO leaders will gather in The Hague, Netherlands, from June 24 to 25, for a summit aimed at strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defense posture amid mounting global threats. Heads of State and Government from all 32 member countries, including US President Donald Trump, are expected to attend. The meeting comes at a time when West Asia has seen escalating tensions owing to the Israel-Iran conflict. The two-day meeting will focus on strengthening collective defense, increasing military spending, and maintaining unity within the Alliance. According to NATO, a central agenda item is ensuring the Alliance has the necessary resources, forces and capabilities to face any threat. The summit is expected to produce a commitment from European allies to increase defense spending—a key demand from Trump, who has previously criticised NATO members for not meeting the 2% GDP target. However, ahead of the 2025 Hague Summit, he escalated his demand, urging European allies to boost spending to 5% of GDP—including 3.5% for core military and 1.5% for defense-related infrastructure and cybersecurity. Ahead of the summit, Trump clarified that the United States should not be required to meet the same 5% GDP defence-spending target he demands of NATO allies, as per reports by Politico. Despite the push for increased budgets, many NATO states still fall short of fulfilling capability commitments. Rutte has also warned, as per BBC, that Russia could attack a NATO country within five years. The BBC reports that the summit has been carefully tailored to avoid confrontation with President Trump. The final communiqué has been shortened to five paragraphs and the main discussions limited to three hours—moves interpreted by some analysts as efforts to accommodate Trump's preferences and preserve Alliance cohesion. Mark Rutte, seen as having a cordial relationship with Trump, is reportedly seeking to give the US President a win on defense spending while avoiding deeper rifts over trade, Russia, and Middle East conflicts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the summit dinner but will not participate in the main North Atlantic Council discussions. Though Russia's war in Ukraine remains one of the gravest threats to European security, discussions on Ukraine and Russia have reportedly been excluded to avoid tensions with the US delegation. Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO, told the BBC: The US 'does not see Ukrainian security as essential to European security, but our European allies do.' Dutch authorities have launched the largest security operation in the country's history, as per BBC, for what will be NATO's most expensive summit to date, with a reported budget of €183.4 million ($210 million). (With inputs from NATO official website, BBC, Politico)
