Did Mark Carney’s campaign use AI to boost crowd sizes? We investigated
In a recent online frenzy, social media users claimed that a photo of a Mark Carney campaign event was generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Allegations were made that the image was digitally manipulated to make it appear as though Carney was addressing a larger crowd than he actually was. Some users even used AI detector tools to support their claims.
However, the CBC’s visual investigations team conducted a thorough analysis and found no evidence of AI manipulation in the image. The original photo was provided by Carney’s campaign, complete with metadata detailing the camera used and the exact time of capture. Additionally, CBC’s raw footage of the event confirmed the authenticity of the image.
This incident highlights the growing trend of skepticism towards online images and videos due to the increasing sophistication of AI technology. Darren Linvill, co-director of the Media Forensics Hub at Clemson University, noted that people are becoming more inclined to doubt the authenticity of online content.
Similar claims of image manipulation have been made against other politicians, such as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. However, in each case, thorough investigations have debunked these allegations. Livestreamed footage and visual comparisons have consistently proven the authenticity of the images.
Social media users pointed out various elements in the Carney campaign image that they believed indicated AI manipulation, such as odd hand placements and perspectives. However, closer examination of the image and raw footage revealed that these elements were genuine and not digitally altered.
Several online AI detector tools were used to analyze the image, with mixed results. While some correctly identified the image as real, others indicated a likelihood of AI generation. Linvill emphasized that these tools are not foolproof and that human judgment is still essential in discerning fake images.
As AI technology continues to advance, the ability to spot fake images will need to evolve. While AI image generators have historically struggled with representing certain human features accurately, they are improving over time. Linvill emphasized the importance of understanding these technological developments and being mindful of our biases when interpreting information.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the Carney campaign image serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by rapidly evolving AI technology and the importance of critical thinking in the digital age.
