AI-generated tiger image triggers panic in Telangana, forest dept files complaint

The Telangana Forest Department (TFD) officials are concerned about an AI-generated image of a tiger being circulated on social media platforms and creating panic among the general public.

As per a report in Telangana Today, a picture of a tiger went viral on social media platforms with a claim that the big cat was moving in Neradigonda mandal in Adilabad district of Telangana. It claimed that the tiger was moving in Wadur village.

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After cross-checking, the forest officials found out that the image was created with artificial intelligence (AI) and it was shared deliberately to grab attention online.

Complaint filed

Following this, the forest department has filed a complaint against a youngster for sharing the AI-generated image of the tiger.

“The youngster created the image of a tiger using an AI application and shared it in a WhatsApp group. The photograph was eventually shared widely, triggering panic among locals. It was found to be an AI-generated photograph when we checked the mobile phone of the youngster. A complaint was lodged with the police. Action will be taken against him soon,” a forest official was quoted as saying in the report.

The forest department is forced to deploy a team to watch for tigers whenever an image of a tiger surfaces on social media platforms. The team then traces the person who shared the photograph. The officials also need to spend time allaying the apprehensions of villagers, the report added.

This is not the first time an AI-generated photograph has triggered panic among locals in Telangana. Last year, a similar image of a tiger moving in CCC Township in Mancherial was shared and a complaint was lodged against those who made it.