As firefighters continue to battle wildfires across Los Angeles, another scourge threatens recovery efforts: AI-generated deepfakes.

On Wednesday, images began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) showing the iconic Hollywood sign engulfed in flames as fire raged across Mount Lee. However, these images were entirely fabricated using generative artificial intelligence tools.

Following the Hollywood sign images, other fabricated visuals surfaced online, including false depictions of looting—further adding to the confusion.

The wildfire and looting deepfakes are part of a growing trend of misinformation and conspiracy theories that spread during crises. Similar tactics were seen during past disasters, such as Hurricane Helene last September, when scammers disseminated AI-generated images of destruction in areas untouched by the storm.

“It’s likely trolling, and they think it’s funny,” Tim Weninger, professor of computer science and engineering at University of Notre Dame, told Decrypt. “It could also be social or political, like implying California deserves to burn, Go to Source to See Full Article
Author: Jason Nelson