'This can only get worse': Who's behind the fake AI-generated images of B.C. wildfires?
But he added that the situation also highlights the potential for a more 'apocalyptic scenario' where adversaries use an automated process to unleash not just one or two fake images, but thousands, in an orchestrated campaign.
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'This can only get worse from here,' he said.
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In its response, B.C. Wildfire Service said the AI images 'do not accurately represent the terrain, fire size or fire behaviour in the area. Someone scrolling past could believe this image is real or accurate when it is not.'
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The wildfire service encouraged people to 'identify your own trusted sources' before you need them.
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Abdul-Mageed said organizations, such as the government, must be prepared to respond to increasing misinformation. The public also needs to be informed, particularly as it will soon become even more difficult to tell the difference between real and AI-generated images.
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'Stop and think. Don't share,' he said. 'Don't share even to debunk. Report these images to B.C. Wildfire or the proper authorities.'
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Farid put it more bluntly: 'Nobody in their right mind should be turning to social media for reliable information, and certainly not during an emergency.'
Postmedia was unable to reach Joemar Sombero for comment, but he replied to several people who commented on his post to defend the images.
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'The images and write-ups I share are AI-generated for illustrative purposes only and are always tagged with a disclaimer,' he wrote. 'My goal is never to sensationalize but to raise awareness about the severity of these events and the impact they have on communities. I understand how important it is to remain sensitive, and I'll continue to be mindful moving forward. Thank you for holding me accountable.'
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In another reply, he said his goal was not to scare anyone, but to keep them informed and prepared.
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With 43,000 followers on Facebook, Sombero typically makes several posts per day about disasters and natural phenomenon. While the posts focus on events around the world, a number come from B.C., including a recent post about a bear attack near Creston when a couple out for a bike ride encountered two grizzlies. He has also posted about the Bear Creek wildfire near Harrison Hot Springs, which included another AI-generated fire image without a disclaimer.
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The introduction to his Facebook page provides a more general description of Sombero's purpose: 'Sharing random bits of creativity — AI art, nature scenes, and moments that inspire.' He also has an Instagram account.
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Many of Sombero's posts draw attention to climate change, including a recent one that shows the smoke from Canadian wildfires spilling into the United States. The credited satellite image is from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-3 satellite.
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