Cyber Expert Offers Tips to Identify AI-Generated Misinformation

In an era where artificial intelligence can create increasingly convincing media, the ability to distinguish between real and fake content has become an essential skill for internet users, according to cybersecurity experts.

“A few years ago, I would try to give you little hints like looking for how many fingers somebody has or examining wrinkles in clothing where things often wouldn’t match up,” said Steve Grobman, Chief Technology Officer at McAfee. “That’s no longer the case as AI continues to improve.”

The rapid advancement of AI technology means consumers need to be increasingly vigilant about what they read and see online, particularly on unvetted social media platforms. Without proper verification, people risk being deceived by sophisticated fake content that appears authentic.

McAfee has recently observed a surge in AI-generated content related to the California wildfires. Using advanced deep fake detection technology, the company identified numerous fabricated posts circulating on social media, some garnering significant engagement.

“We saw one post with well over a million views and tens of thousands of interactions—completely fake,” Grobman noted. “It’s extremely important that consumers are on guard for what they see, especially on social media where the content isn’t vetted.”

The situation extends beyond misinformation to criminal exploitation. Cybercriminals have capitalized on the California wildfire tragedy by creating fake images and impersonating celebrities to solicit donations from unsuspecting users.

“We’ve seen imposter accounts set up for the likes of Emma Watson and Kim Kardashian,” Grobman explained. “In some cases, they’re including Bitcoin addresses in posts and pleading for donations to a supposedly important cause.”

The problem may worsen following Meta’s recent announcement that it will discontinue its third-party fact-checking program in favor of a community notes model. Grobman expressed concern about this policy shift, saying, “We’ve had some changes to policy on social media platforms over the last couple of weeks that are going to make this even more challenging for consumers.”

To navigate this increasingly complex information landscape, experts recommend several verification strategies. First and foremost, maintain a healthy skepticism toward online content. Verify the source by questioning who is sharing the information and whether they represent a reputable entity.

Checking the date of posts is also crucial, as outdated content is often recirculated during current events. For visual content, reverse image searches on Google can help determine authenticity. Cross-checking information with trusted news outlets provides another layer of verification.

“There’s so much disinformation that you really need to go to a news source that is in the business of checking facts and ensuring accuracy,” Grobman advised.

He emphasized that high engagement metrics—likes, shares, and comments—should not be mistaken for indicators of authenticity. Some of the most widely shared content can be entirely fabricated, making personal verification skills increasingly valuable.

The challenges of identifying AI-generated content will likely intensify as the technology continues to evolve. With tools becoming more sophisticated and barriers to creation lowering, the distinction between authentic and artificial content will require greater vigilance and more advanced detection methods.

For everyday internet users, developing a consistent practice of verification and maintaining healthy skepticism toward viral content represent the best defenses against the growing tide of AI-generated misinformation.

As AI development accelerates, both technology companies and consumers face mounting pressure to establish new norms and safeguards for information integrity in the digital age.