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A cybersecurity expert has shared advice on how to spot fake online content after a fake 'Jersey tornado' video resurfaced during Storm Ciarán – gaining more than 400,000 views on one user's TikTok alone.
Jersey Cyber Security Centre director Matt Palmer also warned that the rise of artificial intelligence has made it increasing "trivial" to create false content.
A few years ago, a video featuring a digitally-created tornado in St Aubin’s Bay was officially branded "fake news" by one of the world's most respected news agencies.
The footage resurfaced once again during last week's storm, with one TikTok user reposting the clip to garner over 400,000 views – claiming it showed Jersey on the morning of Storm Ciarán.
Pictured: A screenshot of the TikTok posting and some of the reactions to the fake content.
A number of people appeared to see the video as genuine, with one viewer describing it as "incredible footage" and another saying their "thoughts are with Jersey".
Express asked Jersey Cyber Security Centre director Matt Palmer for some tips.
Mr Palmer explained that new AI tools have made it "increasingly trivial to create a false narrative around a story, event or person".
Pictured: Jersey Cyber Security Centre director Matt Palmer.
He continued: "Fake images, video, and information are now everywhere, but as a society we still need to develop the tools to deal with this."
Mr Palmer's tips on how to spot and deal with fake content:
Be careful what you share. If you like, share or repost information without checking it is accurate and authentic it is easy to cause harm to others or mislead them. Sometimes this can be harmless, but often you may be propagating a false narrative created for political purposes or by a country such as Russia without even realising it.
Verify the source. If something says it was from a reputable source such as mainstream media or a Government, check it with their website. Not everything on social media is true – in fact the vast majority of information on some social sites can at times be false.
Ask why content being shared. Many images and stories are shared to drive an emotional response or to manipulate your views and opinions. These can be hardest to see when they align with views we already hold. By cynical and ask who would want you to believe this, and why.
Use fact check websites. These are often run by reputable organisations such as the BBC and can help you spot images and stores that have been manipulated.
Much original creative work, such as the image of the tornado in St Aubin, were never intended to be taken as fact. This sort of information is easy to check just by being diligent and reading carefully to understand what you are looking it. Don’t assume that others will do this for you – several legitimate organisations shared this video.
Finally, be careful with your own identity. Images you share online and on social media can be used against you, and this I particularly the case with children. Be careful where you share images of children and vulnerable adults in particular, and make sure you have permission before posting on social media.
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