Falsified AI video spreads, claiming to depict the biggest Ganesh idol ever crafted in Chennai, when in fact it's not verified as authentic.
Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindu festival celebrated with great fervour, began on 27th August and will conclude on 6th September this year. However, during the festivities, a viral video claiming to showcase the world's largest Ganapati statue being built in Chennai sparked quite a stir.
Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the video was not a recording of a real event but an AI-generated one. The video, uploaded by the user "xeno75" on the social network Threads, was later traced to the account hoohoocreations80, which specialises in AI-driven content.
The video, titled "Ganesh Chaturthi Special," was viral on social media during the festivities. AI detection tools, such as Hive, flagged the clip as 99.9% likely AI-generated.
Despite the claims, none of the idols in Chennai matched the one seen in the viral video. The gestures in the video appeared unnatural in many places, a common occurrence in AI-generated content. The workers' movements and working style in the video also showed several inconsistencies.
Interestingly, Hoohoo Creations, the account behind the viral video, has other AI-made videos besides the one in question. Their profile bio mentions that they are a digital creator and Creative Director specialising in AI-driven creativity.
Meanwhile, Chennai is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with numerous idols across the city. One idol, in particular, was made with 7,500 books, including 5,000 copies of the Bhagavad Gita.
Despite the deception, the viral video serves as a reminder of the power of social media and the importance of verifying information before sharing it. As we continue to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, let us remember the essence of the festival - the spirit of unity, love, and the triumph of good over evil.
