China's new challenge as natural disasters strike - fake AI videos
Chinese authorities are struggling to combat the spread of AI-generated fake videos during natural disasters like Typhoon Noul. These misleading clips, which often exaggerate damage or fabricate events, are causing public panic and prompting government crackdowns.
Why it matters
The rise of AI-generated misinformation during crises poses a significant threat to public safety and the integrity of information ecosystems.
Image source, Chinese state media Image caption, Screenshot shows Chinese state media debunking AI content
China correspondent Published 27 July 2026 As China deals with the fallout of Typhoon Noul that made landfall over the weekend, officials will be painfully aware that they will likely have an additional challenge to deal with: dangerously misleading videos created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Powerful storms and flooding incidents over the last few months have seen fake videos inundating social media platforms – these include images of dead bodies floating in floodwaters, the false depiction of severe flooding in areas actually not affected and others with blatantly fake details of emergency response efforts.
In some areas, videos containing false information about power outages prompted residents to panic buy emergency supplies.
Other videos capitalise on real-life incidents.
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