Fact-Check Reports Highlight Manipulation
AI Image Used to Question Reception Photo
- White House-supplied reception photo sparked online controversy
- AI-generated image circulated to challenge the original photograph
- Similar image involving Kosovo’s PM was identified as manipulated
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman attended a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump for world leaders and their spouses during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. A photograph of their participation later became the subject of online debate and misinformation claims.
Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque said on Saturday night that the photograph had been provided by the White House and was later released publicly.
He said attempts were being made on social media to question the authenticity of the published photograph by circulating an AI-generated image alongside it.
According to related reports, the AI-generated image in question depicted Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti with Donald Trump and portrayed the US president as a cardboard cutout.
International fact-checking organisations and media reports, including those referring to content published by Albanian platform Pamfleti, identified that image as AI-generated or manipulated.
Reports in international media also noted that several protocol photographs taken with world leaders during UN-related events drew attention because Trump appeared in nearly identical poses. This led to the circulation of satirical and AI-generated “cardboard Trump” images online. Fact-check reports said such images should not be considered reliable evidence regarding the authenticity of official photographs.
Fact-checkers say the increasing accessibility of AI-based image generation tools is making digital misinformation more common, underscoring the importance of verifying images before sharing them online.
//DBTech/JNO/SMP/BPC//
