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

On Wednesday, photos began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) showing the iconic Hollywood Sign engulfed in flames as flames raced across Mount Lee. However, these images were entirely synthesized using generative AI tools.

After the Hollywood sign the picturesOther fabricated images have appeared online, including fake images of looting- Which adds to the confusion.

The wildfires and fake looting are part of a growing trend of misinformation and conspiracy theories spreading during crises. Similar tactics have been seen during past disasters, such as Hurricane Helen last September, when scammers posted AI-generated images of devastation in areas untouched by the storm.

“It's probably trolling, and they think it's funny.” Tim WeningerThe professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Notre Dame said Decryption. “It can also be social or political, such as suggesting that California deserves to burn; criticism Governor Newsom, or respond to Follower In fire fighting. “These are the main reasons, but there may be other reasons.”

On Thursday, US President-elect Donald Trump posted again Social truth To target California Governor Gavin Newsom and his handling of the state's waters. Trump called him "Governor Gavin Newsom" after previously calling the government out Resignation Because of his handling of fires in Southern California.

Thanks to the connection to social media, these AI-generated images can go viral. Unsuspecting users, especially those unfamiliar with the area or details of the crisis, are particularly vulnerable to believing that AI deepfakes are real. This problem is further complicated by a lack of communication by government officials, which can make it difficult for the public to distinguish fact from fiction.

Far from creating panic during crises, AI deepfakes are increasingly being used as a weapon of political manipulation. Last year, while the East Coast of the United States was experiencing the effects Hurricane Milton And Helen, deep artificial intelligence techniques have begun surfacing online showing destroyed buildings amid reports that areas populated mostly by supporters of then-candidate Trump will not receive aid, further polarizing the already tense political climate.

Weninger stressed that the spread of misinformation often stems from societal values ​​rather than technological limitations, noting that by sharing or liking content, individuals also endorse it.

“Social media issues are sometimes issues of technology or fact-checking, but mostly they are issues of values,” Weninger said. “As a society, we don't value sharing accurate and honest information enough. Every social media user has to decide that for themselves. Technology can't do that for them, nor can anyone else.

Official spokesman with Hollywood is a sign of trust- a non-profit organization that maintains, maintains and promotes the Hollywood brand - confirmed this Decryption That the sign is in fact undamaged and intact.

They said: “Griffith Park is closed for precautionary reasons.” “The sign is safe and sound, and there is no truth to these false rumors.”

Modified by Andrew Hayward