Major News Outlets Pull Chinese Paraglider Video Over Suspected AI Manipulation

News Outlets Retract Chinese Paraglider Video Over AI Authenticity Concerns

Several major news organizations have pulled back a video showing a Chinese paraglider allegedly reaching 27,000 feet. The decision comes amid suspicions that parts of the footage were generated using artificial intelligence (AI), raising questions about its authenticity.

The video, initially shared by Chinese state-linked CCTV on May 24, featured Peng Yujiang, 55, in flight with his gear visibly frosted. Most scenes showed Peng wearing a black helmet, surrounded by clouds, seated in a pod attached to the glider. However, a segment displayed him with a partly white helmet, legs dangling, with greenery visible below. This particular clip carried a visible AI watermark from Doubao, spotted by a Facebook user.

Media Response and Retractions

• NBC News was the first to retract the video, after receiving it from Reuters, which had sourced it from CCTV. Reuters confirmed to NBC that they believed the footage was AI-generated and were working on removing it.
• The BBC also removed the video, stating they were investigating its authenticity after doubts surfaced.
• CNN acknowledged that parts of the footage appeared AI-generated and announced an ongoing investigation.

Despite these retractions, not all outlets have removed the video. As of Saturday afternoon, The New York Times still had an embedded YouTube clip from Chinese broadcaster CGTN featuring the footage. A cropped version of the clip, missing the AI watermark, appears at the start of the CGTN video.

Implications for PR and Communications Professionals

This incident highlights the growing challenges media faces with AI-generated content. For PR and communications professionals, it underscores the importance of verifying multimedia before sharing, especially when content has the potential to influence public perception or international narratives.

When working with video content, consider these points:

• Always verify the source of multimedia and look for potential AI-generated markers or inconsistencies.
• Be cautious about sharing sensational content without independent confirmation.
• Maintain transparency with your audience regarding the authenticity of visual materials.

Understanding the impact of AI on content authenticity is essential for maintaining credibility and trust in communications.

For those interested in deepening their knowledge about AI’s influence on media and communications, exploring specialized training can be valuable. Resources such as Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer practical insights into AI tools and their implications for communications professionals.