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| - Fact Check: Viral Image Of Megalodon Shark With Spectators Turns Out To Be An AI-Creation
A picture is going viral on social media showing people standing near a giant shark, claimed to be a Megalodon shark captured in the early 20th century. However, Vishvas News’ investigation revealed that this picture was AI-generated, which users are sharing believing it to be true.
- By: Pallavi Mishra
- Published: Jan 7, 2025 at 01:50 PM
New Delhi (Vishvas News). A viral picture on social media shows people standing around a large shark tied in shackles. The post claims the photo dates back to the early 20th century, depicting people with a Megalodon (a giant prehistoric shark).
Vishvas News’ investigation found that it is an AI-generated image, mistakenly shared as real.
What is the viral post?
Facebook user ‘Solanki Pradeep‘ (archive link) has shared the picture with the caption, “The Megalodon is alive! At the beginning of the 20th century, German fishermen aboard the ship Seesturm made an extraordinary discovery in the North Sea: a live Megalodon shark, a creature believed to have been extinct for millions of years. As the massive shadow loomed over their boat, the fishermen faced a tremendous challenge. Using makeshift harpoons and strong ropes, they engaged in a fierce battle against the ancient behemoth. Despite all odds, they managed to subdue the Megalodon and tow it back to port, where its story spread like wildfire. The scientific community, initially skeptical, was astounded by the living fossil. The crew of the Seesturm, once just ordinary fishermen, became local legends. Crowds gathered to witness the awe-inspiring Megalodon, and the fishermen gained fame and fortune. Its encounter with the prehistoric giant echoed through time, serving as a testament to the unexpected wonders lurking beneath the vast and mysterious sea.”
Investigation
To investigate the claim, we closely examined the image and noticed several inconsistencies. None of the faces were fully formed, with noticeable flaws, and the people in the background appeared identical. These inconsistencies raised the suspicions that the image might be AI-generated. To confirm, we analysed the image using AI detection tools.
We checked this picture with the AI image detection tool Hive Moderation, which stated a 96% probability of the image being AI-generated.
We further analysed the image with another AI image detection tool Sight Imagine, which reported a 99% probability of this picture being AI-created.
On searching with Google Lens, we found this picture uploaded on an Instagram page named ‘Artsaving’, uploaded on November 11, 2024. The post includes hashtags referencing AI tools like Midjourney and DELL.E. According to the information provided, all the pictures shared are created using AI tools.
We spoke to AI expert Azhar Machwe, who confirmed that the picture was AI-generated. He explained that such images can be easily created with a simple prompt in AI image-generation tools.
Facebook user Solanki Pradeep, who shared this post, has over 5000 followers.
Conclusion: A picture is going viral on social media showing people standing near a giant shark, claimed to be a Megalodon shark captured in the early 20th century. However, Vishvas News’ investigation revealed that this picture was AI-generated, which users are sharing believing it to be true.
- Claim Review : This photo dates back to the early 20th century, depicting people with a Megalodon (a giant prehistoric shark).
- Claimed By : Facebook user ‘Solanki Pradeep‘
- Fact Check : False
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