An Iranian news outlet posted destruction of a US base in Qatar; however, it was an AI-geenrated fake image. It shows the growing threat of technology driven disinformation during wartime.
AI enables fake satellite imagery
Generative AI has made it easier for state actors and propagandists to create convincing fake satellite images. Experts warn that this trend poses serious real-world security risks.
Tehran Times, a state-aligned English daily, shared a “before vs. after” image on X, claiming it showed “completely destroyed” US radar equipment. Researchers later confirmed it was an AI-manipulated version of a Google Earth image from last year of a US base in Bahrain.
Visual giveaways, such as rows of cars in identical positions, revealed the manipulation. Despite these clues, the image went viral, garnering millions of views across multiple languages, showing how audiences struggle to distinguish real from fake imagery on social media.
OSINT manipulation and misinformation
Brady Africk, an open-source intelligence (OSINT) researcher, said manipulated satellite images are appearing more frequently during major conflicts. “Many have the hallmarks of imperfect AI generation: odd angles, blurred details, and features that don’t align with reality,” he said.
Information warfare analyst Tal Hagin highlighted another AI-generated image claiming Israeli-US jets targeted a painted aircraft silhouette in Iran, while real planes were moved elsewhere. The image included gibberish coordinates and spread widely on Instagram, Threads, and X.
Hagin noted that OSINT, initially used to bypass censorship, is now being exploited by disinformation agents. Similar AI-fake satellite imagery appeared during the Russia-Ukraine war and last year’s Pakistan-India conflict.
Real-world consequences
Africk mentioned that fake images can impact public opinion, policy decisions, and financial markets. Thus, it is crucial to access auhtentic, high-resolution satellite imagery for the purpose of verifications. Similarly, satellite company Vantor confirmed circulating images showing the terminal on fire were fake and likely AI-generated.
