An image of an explosion at the Pentagon circulated on social media, causing brief market fluctuations before it was confirmed as a hoax. The image, showing black smoke rising outside the US military building, was likely generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The Arlington Police Department confirmed the image was fake and stated there was no immediate danger to the public. Digital investigations expert Nick Waters pointed out the signs that the image was AI-generated, including inconsistencies in the building’s frontage and the absence of other images or firsthand witnesses. This incident highlights the potential for AI-generated content to spread misinformation and the need for safety protocols in AI development.
