From Lead Stories · · 40s
Fact Check: Fake Photo Shows World Leaders with Tape on Phones
AI-generated photo of world leaders with tape on phones debunked as fake.
In brief
AI-generated photo of world leaders with tape on phones debunked as fake. Three AI tools confirmed a viral image showing world leaders with tape on phones was AI-generated, not real. Originally reported by Lead Stories.
Viral Claim
A post by @defense_civil25 on X claimed world leaders covered phone cameras with tape.
“🚨Question: @grok Why do world leaders cover their phone cameras? And what exactly are they protecting themselves from?? Should I do that too??”
AI Detection
Three tools confirmed the image was AI-generated: Hive Moderation (98.5%), Sightengine (97%), and SynthID.
“The image was made or edited with OpenAI.”
Visual Clue
All phones had grey or black duct tape with torn edges, an unrealistic covering for a leader's camera.
“The tape is torn on the edges, an unrealistically basic covering for a world leader's phone camera lens.”
The big picture
Three AI tools confirmed a viral image showing world leaders with tape on phones was AI-generated, not real.
