Tech-fueled misinformation distorts Iran-Israel fighting
The information warfare unfolding alongside ground combat -- sparked by Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership -- underscores a digital crisis in the age of rapidly advancing AI tools that have blurred the lines between truth and fabrication.
The surge in wartime misinformation has exposed an urgent need for stronger detection tools, experts say, as major tech platforms have largely weakened safeguards by scaling back content moderation and reducing reliance on human fact-checkers.
After Iran struck Israel with barrages of missiles last week, AI-generated videos falsely claimed to show damage inflicted on Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport.
The videos were widely shared across Facebook, Instagram and X.
Using a reverse image search, AFP's fact-checkers found that the clips were originally posted by a TikTok account that produces AI-generated content.
There has been a "surge in generative AI misinformation, specifically related to the Iran-Israel conflict," Ken Jon Miyachi, founder of the Austin-based firm BitMindAI, told AFP.
"These tools are being leveraged to manipulate public perception, often amplifying divisive or misleading narratives with unprecedented scale and sophistication."
- 'Photo-realism' -
GetReal Security, a US company focused on detecting manipulated media including AI deepfakes, also identified a wave of fabricated videos related to the Israel-Iran conflict.
The company linked the visually compelling videos -- depicting apocalyptic scenes of war-damaged Israeli aircraft and buildings as well as Iranian missiles mounted on a trailer -- to Google's Veo 3 AI generator, known for hyper-realistic visuals.
The Veo watermark is visible at the bottom of an online video posted by the news outlet Tehran Times, which claims to show "the moment an Iranian missile" struck Tel Aviv.
"It is no surprise that as generative-AI tools continue to improve in photo-realism, they are being misused to spread misinformation and sow confusion," said Hany Farid, the co-founder of GetReal Security and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
Farid offered one tip to spot such deepfakes: the Veo 3 videos were normally eight seconds in length or a combination of clips of a similar duration.
"This eight-second limit obviously doesn't prove a video is fake, but should be a good reason to give you pause and fact-check before you re-share," he said.
The falsehoods are not confined to social media.
Disinformation watchdog NewsGuard has identified 51 websites that have advanced more than a dozen false claims -- ranging from AI-generated photos purporting to show mass destruction in Tel Aviv to fabricated reports of Iran capturing Israeli pilots.
Sources spreading these false narratives include Iranian military-linked Telegram channels and state media sources affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), sanctioned by the US Treasury Department, NewsGuard said.
- 'Control the narrative' -
"We're seeing a flood of false claims and ordinary Iranians appear to be the core targeted audience," McKenzie Sadeghi, a researcher with NewsGuard, told AFP.
Sadeghi described Iranian citizens as "trapped in a sealed information environment," where state media outlets dominate in a chaotic attempt to "control the narrative."
Iran itself claimed to be a victim of tech manipulation, with local media reporting that Israel briefly hacked a state television broadcast, airing footage of women's protests and urging people to take to the streets.
Adding to the information chaos were online clips lifted from war-themed video games.
AFP's fact-checkers identified one such clip posted on X, which falsely claimed to show an Israeli jet being shot down by Iran. The footage bore striking similarities to the military simulation game Arma 3.
Israel's military has rejected Iranian media reports claiming its fighter jets were downed over Iran as "fake news."
Chatbots such as xAI's Grok, which online users are increasingly turning to for instant fact-checking, falsely identified some of the manipulated visuals as real, researchers said.
"This highlights a broader crisis in today's online information landscape: the erosion of trust in digital content," BitMindAI's Miyachi said.
"There is an urgent need for better detection tools, media literacy, and platform accountability to safeguard the integrity of public discourse."
burs-ac/jgc
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Energy Efficiency and Smart Technologies Propel Growth
The Airport Stands Equipment Market, valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2025, is set to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% to USD 5.4 billion by 2034. This growth is fueled by advancements in energy-efficient and smart technology, including IoT integration, AI-powered maintenance, and electric-powered equipment. With a focus on sustainability, real-time monitoring, and efficient airport operations, the market is driven by the demand for improved aircraft turnaround times and compliance with stringent safety standards. Key sectors include PCA units, GPUs, and PBBs, with significant market potential across regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Airport Stands Equipment Market Dublin, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Airport Stands Equipment Market Outlook 2025-2034" report has been added to Stands Equipment Market is valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2025. Further the market is expected to grow by a CAGR of 7.1% to reach global sales of USD 5.4 billion in 2034 The Airport Stands Equipment Market is a specialized sector within the ground support equipment (GSE) industry, focusing on the design, development, and manufacturing of equipment used to service aircraft at airport stands. This market encompasses a range of equipment, including pre-conditioned air (PCA) units, ground power units (GPUs), and passenger boarding bridges (PBBs), each tailored to specific aircraft types and operational requirements. The demand for reliable and efficient stands equipment is driven by the need to ensure safe and efficient aircraft turnaround market is characterized by stringent safety standards, durable materials, and precision engineering. The focus is on delivering high-quality equipment that meets the demanding requirements of airport operators and ground handling service providers. The integration of smart technologies, energy-efficient designs, and remote monitoring systems is transforming the airport stands equipment 2024, the Airport Stands Equipment Market witnessed a significant push towards energy efficiency and remote monitoring. There was a noticeable increase in the adoption of energy-efficient PCA units and GPUs, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Airport operators focused on developing remote monitoring systems, enabling real-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance. The integration of smart technologies, such as IoT sensors and data analytics platforms, improved the efficiency and reliability of stands equipment. Furthermore, there was a growing emphasis on developing electric-powered stands equipment, aligning with sustainability goals. The development of automated passenger boarding bridges, improving the speed and safety of passenger boarding, also saw increased investment. The use of advanced materials, such as lightweight alloys and durable composites, improved the longevity and performance of stands ahead to 2025 and beyond, the Airport Stands Equipment Market is expected to experience continued growth and innovation, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient airport operations. We anticipate further advancements in AI-powered predictive maintenance, optimizing the performance and lifespan of stands equipment. The integration of wireless charging technologies will improve the efficiency and flexibility of electric-powered equipment. There will be a greater focus on developing stands equipment compatible with future aircraft designs, including electric and autonomous adoption of advanced sensor networks and data analytics will enable real-time monitoring and optimization of stands equipment operations. Furthermore, the market will see increased collaboration between equipment manufacturers, airport operators, and technology providers to develop integrated and optimized stands equipment solutions. The integration of circular economy principles, focusing on material recycling and energy efficiency, will also become more prevalent, aligning with the industry's sustainability Insights Airport Stands Equipment Market Energy Efficiency: Increased adoption of energy-efficient PCA units and GPUs. Remote Monitoring: Real-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance through remote monitoring systems. Smart Technologies: Integration of IoT sensors and data analytics platforms. Electric-Powered Equipment: Growing adoption of electric stands equipment. AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance: Optimized performance and lifespan through AI. Operational Efficiency: The need to reduce aircraft turnaround times and improve efficiency. Sustainability Goals: Reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Technological Advancements: Innovations in smart technologies and energy efficiency. Safety Standards: Ensuring safe and reliable equipment operations. Ensuring Equipment Reliability: Maintaining consistent performance in harsh airport environments and diverse operating conditions. Your Takeaways From this Report Global Airport Stands Equipment market size and growth projections (CAGR), 2024- 2034 Impact of recent changes in geopolitical, economic, and trade policies on the demand and supply chain of Airport Stands Equipment. Airport Stands Equipment market size, share, and outlook across 5 regions and 27 countries, 2025- 2034. Airport Stands Equipment market size, CAGR, and Market Share of key products, applications, and end-user verticals, 2025- 2034. Short and long-term Airport Stands Equipment market trends, drivers, restraints, and opportunities. Porter's Five Forces analysis, Technological developments in the Airport Stands Equipment market, Airport Stands Equipment supply chain analysis. Airport Stands Equipment trade analysis, Airport Stands Equipment market price analysis, Airport Stands Equipment Value Chain Analysis. Profiles of 5 leading companies in the industry- overview, key strategies, financials, and products. Latest Airport Stands Equipment market news and developments. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $2.9 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $5.4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.0% Regions Covered Global Companies Featured Cavotec SA John Bean Technologies Corporation ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems Inc. ShinMaywa Industries Ltd. FMT Airport Systems Adelte Group Aerospace Specialties Inc. Omega Aviation Inc. TUG Technologies Corporation Safegate Group Dedienne Aerospace SAS Fabrication Authorities International Inc. HHI Corporation Hydro System KG JETechnologies Solutions Inc. Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. Semmco Ltd. Waag Aircraft Wildeck Inc. Air+Mak Industries Aviaco GSE Charlatte America CIMC-TianDa Airport Support Ltd. Douglas Equipment Ltd. ITW GSE Kalmar Motor AB LODIGE Industries GmbH Mallaghan Engineering Ltd. Mulag Fahrzeugwerk Heinz Wossner GmbH u. Co. KG Phoenix Metal Products Inc. Powervamp Ltd. Rusada Aviation Private Limited TCR International NV TLD Group Tronair Inc. Vataple Group Vestdavit AS Vestergaard Company Airport Stands Equipment Market Segmentation By Stands Landing Gear Access Wheel Aircraft Entry Cabin Interior Other Stands By Equipment Preconditioned Air Unit Stands Entry Guidance System Electrical Ground Power Unit By Platform Type Movable By Application Maintenance Repair And Overhaul (MRO) By Geography North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC) The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa) South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA) For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Airport Stands Equipment Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
37 minutes ago
- Forbes
Letting Go: Transformational Leadership In The Age Of AI
In the age of AI, real leadership means letting go of control to unlock collaboration, curiosity, ... More and human-AI co-creation. In a world defined by complexity, velocity, and AI-driven change, the most significant transformational leadership act isn't holding on. It's letting go. For decades, leadership meant control of teams, budgets, decisions, and narratives. But in today's fluid, networked, and talent-distributed world, that grip has become a liability. The leaders thriving now are the ones who have learned to loosen their grip, to empower, co-create, and operate with humility. Letting go is no longer a weakness; it's a strength. It's a strategic necessity. The rise of the open talent economy demonstrates this shift in real-time. Platforms like Torc, Andela, and Upwork are reshaping labor from a fixed cost to a fluid capability. The question is no longer 'Who do we employ?' but 'Who can we access?' Forward-thinking companies are embracing dynamic talent ecosystems. They're dissolving the boundaries between internal and external contributors, assembling purpose-driven teams from a global pool of expertise. They're not just filling roles. They're orchestrating skills. And that orchestration only works when leaders let go of perfection, embrace iteration, and build environments where trust and autonomy can flourish. Leadership today isn't about having the plan. The pace of change is too fast, and the problems are too complex. What matters now is curiosity. The most effective leaders aren't heroes; they're curators. Like great editors or museum directors, their job is to discover, elevate, and connect. It's about shaping the conditions for others to do their best work. This approach demands humility. It means listening more, interrupting less, and creating systems where freelancers, full-timers, and AI agents alike can contribute meaningfully. It's not about owning every answer. It's about asking better questions. One of the biggest hurdles to this mindset shift is fear, especially fear of AI. Leaders often ask, 'Will it replace me?' Replace my team? The better question is: what can it amplify? When we stop seeing AI as a threat, we begin to see it as a teammate. It can process data, simulate outcomes, and streamline workflows. But it can't connect unseen dots. It can't empathize, imagine, or lead. At Harvard Business School, our research on cybernetic teammates reveals that hybrid teams, comprising AI paired with human talent, consistently outperform either AI or human talent alone. However, to harness that potential, leaders must relinquish traditional workflows and learn to lead at the intersection of intelligence and intuition. Letting go isn't surrender. It's space-making for people, for ideas, for possibility. It's about shifting from command to co-creation, from headcount to capability, from ownership to access. The future belongs to companies that treat talent as a network, not a department, that invest in open platforms as core infrastructure, not side experiments, and that see flexibility not as a perk, but as a principle. So here's the challenge. Let go of one decision a day. Invite outside talent into one project, and pilot one AI-human collaboration. Redesign one role around outcomes, not ownership. In this era of work, access often beats ownership. Curation beats control. And letting go isn't the end of leadership. It's where real transformational leadership begins.
Forbes
37 minutes ago
- Forbes
Managing Employees In The Age Of AI
Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., APR is the Founder & Executive Director of Whisper Creek Spa in Hilton Head, SC and Expert in IP and Governance. We are living in an era where truth is becoming increasingly difficult to discern. The phrase 'fake news' has become so common that it no longer surprises us when entire narratives are called into question. Mainstream media, once regarded as a trusted source of information, is now viewed with skepticism by large segments of the population. Social media has created a world where perception often eclipses reality, amplified by filters, edits and algorithms that shape content to suit personal brands and agendas. For many employees, especially younger ones, platforms like TikTok have become news sources, but these sources often lack the rigor or context needed to promote critical thinking. Deepfakes, AI-generated personas and manipulated content have taken misinformation to an entirely new level. These technologies can imitate voices, faces and even emotional expressions with uncanny precision. As they become more accessible, it will only grow harder to discern fact from fabrication. The burden now falls on individuals to actively seek out the truth, compare multiple perspectives and apply discernment and wisdom, skills that may not be universally taught or consistently practiced. For small business leaders, one of the most pressing and often overlooked challenges presented by AI isn't just technological; it's cultural. How do you manage employees who have grown up in an environment where truth is fluid and perspectives are personalized? The New Reality Of Workplace Dynamics At the same time, AI is transforming how businesses recruit, monitor and engage employees. AI-driven resume screeners, productivity trackers and sentiment analysis tools offer new ways to evaluate team performance, but they are not infallible. These tools can be manipulated or produce biased outcomes, making human judgment more critical than ever. Leaders must learn how to integrate these technologies wisely to ensure that automation supports, not replaces, real leadership. In a world where curated content and personal branding dominate digital life, it's easy for employees, especially younger ones, to conflate perception with truth. This isn't always intentional; I believe that many simply haven't been trained to distinguish emotional reasoning from objective analysis. As a result, in today's workplace, employees may operate under the assumption that their perception is truth. Objective facts may become irrelevant if they conflict with personal feelings or what someone wants to believe. When employees feel wronged, they may turn to group chats, social media or gossip circles to share their version of events, often without context, without seeking clarification, and without regard for due process. This erosion of truth-based dialogue makes managing a team of humans significantly more challenging. A single manipulative employee can quickly spread toxicity and division. Team members who lack critical thinking skills or emotional maturity may adopt and amplify these distorted narratives. The Importance Of Vigilance And Swift Action To lead effectively in this environment, managers must become relentless truth-seekers inside their own organizations. They must listen carefully, cross-check stories and look beyond surface-level emotions. Managers must have the courage to address issues head-on and remove employees who repeatedly distort the truth, manipulate others or violate company values. Of course, not every conflict or misunderstanding stems from malice. Sometimes, it's a lack of communication skills, emotional intelligence or exposure to professional expectations. In these cases, early intervention, mentoring and clear feedback can transform a struggling employee into a valuable contributor. The key is discerning between those who are willing to grow and those who choose to sow discord. Tolerating toxic behavior, even for the sake of short-term staffing needs, comes at a high cost. Good employees will quietly exit, team morale will erode and your company culture will suffer lasting damage. Allowing one 'bad apple' to remain sends the message that your values are flexible and your leadership is weak. Small business owners especially felt the labor crunch during and after the pandemic. Many were forced to compromise, hiring whoever was available just to keep the doors open. But as we move forward, survival is no longer enough. To grow and thrive, businesses must return to a higher standard, recruiting carefully, investing in the right people and letting go of those who cannot meet expectations, regardless of staffing pressure. Hiring In A Filtered World There have always been workplace gossips and manipulators. What has changed is the cultural validation of these behaviors and the ease with which reality can be distorted using filters, AI and digital personas. Employees now have the tools to build online identities that mask their behavior in the workplace, making it easier to fool hiring managers and peers alike. This makes the recruitment process more critical than ever. AI tools can streamline candidate selection, but they can also overlook important human signals. Candidates now use AI to generate polished cover letters and even coach themselves on interviews. That's why in-person cues, reference checks and situational interviews that probe integrity and judgment are still essential. Go beyond resumes masked by AI models. Look for signs of emotional intelligence, self-awareness and alignment with your values. Ask questions that reveal character. And once hired, stay close enough to notice when something is off and recognize a hiring mistake quickly before real damage is done. Managing In The Age Of AI As AI transforms business operations, the human element becomes your strongest competitive advantage. Set the tone. Lead with clarity. And build a culture where truth, growth and accountability thrive, even in the most disruptive times. This requires emotional intelligence that can't be masked with AI in actual human interactions, as well as a willingness to lead decisively. It's not enough to react to problems; you must create an environment where truth, respect and collaboration are actively cultivated. All of this means organizational behavior is trickier than ever. Setting the right tone and removing toxic employees becomes mission-critical to managing human employees in an age of AI. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
