During the FIFA World Cup, a wave of AI-generated deepfakes has flooded social media, racking up millions of views. DW's Fact Check team has debunked several of these fakes, revealing how easily manipulated content can spread.

One of the most viral images showed a fan in a Germany jersey resembling Adolf Hitler. The fake was quickly debunked after Germany's match against Curacao.

Another image purportedly showed an Iranian footballer holding a pink backpack as a tribute to 168 schoolgirls allegedly killed by the US regime. However, the image was not from the World Cup, and the player was not part of Iran's squad. The stadium and jerseys also did not match.

A photo of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a Croatia jersey was also fake. The original image, from the 2024 European Championship, showed Starmer in a white T-shirt and others in England jerseys. The jerseys were digitally altered, likely with AI.

A sign calling for the arrest of Brazilian President Lula was also AI-generated. The handwriting was too neat, the cardboard texture too smooth, and the face too glossy. AI detectors flagged it with 96% probability.

A video claiming to show the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony was also fake. The stadium roof changed shape between shots, and AI detectors indicated generative AI use.

Deepfake expert Henry Ajder warned that global events like the World Cup are perfect for spreading manipulated content. He urged viewers to remain skeptical of viral posts.

Source: www.dw.com