BanglaFact, the fact-check, media research and analysis team of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has identified a malicious attempt to spread confusions using an AI-generated video that purported to be a statement from Police Headquarters.
The attempt involved circulating a video featuring the AIG (Media) of Police Headquarters.
According to BanglaFact, the video was posted on social media on Thursday by an Awami propaganda page.
The deepfake featured H M Shahadat Hossain, AIG (Media), claiming that vehicle movement was halted since the morning and that the citizenry had supported a lockdown.
Furthermore, the fabricated statement suggested an apprehension of potential sabotage starting afternoon.
Most alarmingly, the individual in the video was heard stating, “there is news that the Metro Rail would be set on fire”.
The video concluded by noting that the matter was under serious investigation, and that the police force was working tirelessly to find the criminals quickly.
BanglaFact quickly verified that the video had been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The content was found to have been distorted and promoted using AI drawn from a different video.
Upon close observation, the fact-checking team identified multiple inconsistencies in the facial features and expressions of H M Shahadat Hossain in the video, which are typical hallmarks of content altered or created using AI.
Crucially, BanglaFact confirmed that H M Shahadat Hossain, who serves as AIG (Media & PR) for Police Headquarters, had not made such comments in mainstream media or through any reliable sources.
BanglaFact subsequently identified the claim made in the video as false.
