OSAKA -- Misinformation and unverified claims have spread on social media following a strong earthquake on July 28 that registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan.
There were also many posts that appeared to incite discrimination, as well as fake images believed to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Posting false information can, in malicious cases, result in criminal liability. An expert is urging social media users to treat circulating images with skepticism and refrain from sharing them without first checking whether they are authentic.
Baseless claims of terrorism and an 'artificial earthquake'
Following an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto, baseless claims spread on social media alleging that it was "a terrorist attack carried out by operatives" or that "a nuclear weapon was used." Multiple videos using images believed to have been generated by AI were also circulating.
Other posts shared images purportedly showing clouds after the quake and claimed that it was an "artificial earthquake." Some conspiracy theories alleged that foreigners or specific politicians were involved.
Although the Japan Meteorological Agency said the epicenter was in the Kumamoto region, false claims also spread that "the epicenter was at Mount Aso" and that "Mount Aso had erupted."
There were also posts claiming that Kyushu Railway Co. (JR Kyushu)'s luxury sleeper train Seven Stars in Kyushu had derailed, but JR Kyushu told the...
OSAKA -- Misinformation and unverified claims have spread on social media following a strong earthquake on July 28 that registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture in southw...