With AI models like Sora, Veo, and Midjourney producing increasingly realistic images and videos, distinguishing authentic media from synthetic or altered content has become more challenging but remains achievable through systematic checks.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the rise of generative AI has amplified the spread of misleading visuals, often used in disinformation campaigns, scams, and non-consensual content. Verification combines manual inspection, contextual analysis, and specialized tools to determine authenticity.
What is known so far
Viral images and videos often originate from social media platforms, where they gain traction before fact-checkers intervene. Common issues include deepfakes—AI-manipulated content that swaps faces, alters speech, or fabricates scenes—and simpler edits like photo composites. Tools such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and diffusion models enable high-quality fakes, but they frequently leave detectable artifacts. Reverse image searches trace origins, while AI detectors analyze pixel-level inconsistencies invisible to the eye.
Why this matters
Unverified viral content can influence public opinion, affect elections, enable fraud, or cause harm through misinformation. In 2026, deepfakes have contributed to financial scams, reputational damage, and societal distrust. Verification empowers individuals to make informed decisions, reduces the virality of falsehoods, and supports credible journalism and discourse.
What is happening presently
As of 2026, major AI companies incorporate provenance tools like C2PA metadata and watermarks in outputs from models such as OpenAI’s Sora, allowing verification of generation source. Platforms label AI content, but not all generators comply. Detection improves through ongoing research, though creators adapt to evade tools. Fact-checking organizations and open-source communities update methods regularly to address new models.
What is being said
Experts from institutions like MIT Media Lab emphasize no single foolproof sign exists for deepfakes, advocating multi-layered approaches. Organizations such as the Content Authenticity Initiative promote metadata standards. Fact-checkers recommend cross-verification with reputable sources. Tools like SightEngine, Hive Moderation, and FakeOut.io detect AI artifacts in images and videos. Reverse search engines including Google Images, TinEye, and Lenso.ai trace origins. Manual checks focus on inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, reflections, and anatomy.
Practical steps begin with pausing before sharing suspicious content. For images, perform a reverse search by uploading to Google Images or TinEye to check for prior appearances or manipulations. Examine details: look for unnatural hand shapes, inconsistent eye reflections, irregular teeth, or mismatched shadows. AI-generated faces may show blending errors around hairlines or ears.
For videos, slow playback reveals glitches in lip-sync, unnatural blinking patterns, or flickering around facial edges. Check audio for flat intonation or mismatched mouth movements. Inspect metadata if available, using tools from the Content Authenticity Initiative to verify provenance. Upload to detectors like Hive, SightEngine for AI-generated probability scores, or Microsoft’s Video Authenticator for manipulation evidence.
Cross-reference with trusted outlets or fact-checkers such as Snopes or FactCheck.org. If content claims dramatic events, search for corroboration from multiple independent sources. Contextual clues matter: does the scenario align with known facts, or does it exploit emotional triggers?
Limitations persist—advanced deepfakes may evade detection, and tools can produce false positives. Combine methods for higher confidence. Stay updated via resources from MIT Detect Fakes or the Partnership on AI.
Verification remains a skill honed through practice. In 2026’s digital landscape, skepticism combined with rigorous checks serves as the strongest defense against viral deception.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
