Muscat – As conflicts continue across the region, the toll on civilians is mounting, with food shortages, disrupted services and widespread loss of life and property. Alongside the physical destruction, another battle is unfolding online — the rapid spread of rumours and AI-generated misinformation.

Advanced tools such as Gemini’s Veo and Grok, developed by X, now allow users to create highly realistic images and videos within minutes. The technology has made it increasingly difficult for audiences to distinguish authentic material from fabricated content.

One recent case that circulated widely online involved fabricated images claiming the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This was followed by manipulated footage purporting to show him drinking coffee at a café in Israel. Close inspection revealed visual distortions, including anatomical inconsistencies such as extra fingers, but the content nonetheless fuelled confusion before it was debunked.

Tariq Al Barwani, a social media expert, said the pace of technological advancement poses a growing challenge. “AI-generated content continues to improve at a fast rate. The best way to control it is through better detection tools, stronger platform rules and people double-checking before sharing. But honestly, the real issue isn’t the technology. It is how quickly people believe and spread things without verifying.”

He stressed that verifying sources, questioning credibility and relying on established media outlets remain essential safeguards.

Fabricated visuals of drone strikes and large fires continue to circulate online, often tied to political narratives that heighten fear and uncertainty. Some AI-generated videos adopt a lighter tone, depicting global leaders in animated or caricature form. However, experts caution that even satirical material contributes to the erosion of trust by blurring the boundary between reality and parody.

Filmmaker and AI content creator Sultan Khalfan said producing convincing AI material requires skill. “AI content is not easy to make. It requires time and the same skills as a director. With some technical knowledge and storytelling ability, realistic content can be created. But much of it is used as clickbait,” he said. “AI is welcome as an additional tool for creatives, but not for misuse, manipulation or deepfakes. That is bad journalism and offensive. I do not support making fun of leaders through such content.”

Former educator Shamshad Hamza said emotional responses during crises make people more vulnerable to manipulation. “When emotions run high, especially in times of crisis, we stop being reasonable and logical. This is not new. AI-generated videos and images amplify the impact on the human brain,” he said.

He warned that individuals often become unwitting participants in spreading misinformation. “It is important to check the reliability and credibility of the source, verify facts and question the veracity of any news that could create unnecessary panic. Reporting fake news and taking legal action can help limit the circulation of AI-generated videos and images intended to deceive and manipulate.”

As the region grapples with conflict on the ground, experts say vigilance online is now equally critical to prevent falsehoods from compounding real-world harm.