POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: AI-generated image misrepresented as leaders’ selfie at BRICS Summit
The Claim A viral image circulating on social media platforms, particularly on Twitter and Facebook, was widely shared as a supposed ‘selfie’ of world leaders at the BRICS Summit. The...
The Claim
A viral image circulating on social media platforms, particularly on Twitter and Facebook, was widely shared as a supposed ‘selfie’ of world leaders at the BRICS Summit. The image purportedly showed Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa standing together in a casual pose, with a background that appeared to depict the summit venue. The claim gained traction after being posted by multiple accounts, some of which had large followings and were labeled as verified or influential.
The image was first spotted on a Twitter account with over 100,000 followers, which captioned the post as Leaders of BRICS at the summit – a rare moment of unity! The post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes, shares, and comments. It was later reposted by several news outlets and political commentators, some of whom cited the image as evidence of diplomatic engagement between major global powers. The image’s authenticity was not questioned initially, but as more users scrutinized it, discrepancies emerged, prompting fact-checking organizations to investigate.
The Details & Investigation
Upon closer examination, the image was found to be an AI-generated graphic, created using deep learning algorithms trained on images of world leaders. Digital forensics experts from AFP Fact Check, in collaboration with cybersecurity analysts, identified several telltale signs of artificial creation. These included inconsistencies in lighting, unnatural facial expressions, and a lack of high-resolution detail that would be expected in a real photograph taken at a high-profile event like the BRICS Summit.
Further investigation revealed that the image had no official source or documentation from the summit organizers. No press releases, photographs, or video footage from the event matched the image in question. Additionally, none of the leaders’ official social media accounts or press offices acknowledged the image as authentic. A search of the official BRICS Summit website and related press coverage confirmed that no such group photo had been released during the summit.
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Experts also noted that the image bore similarities to other AI-generated graphics that have been used in previous disinformation campaigns. These images often target geopolitical events, aiming to create confusion, manipulate public perception, or generate sensational content for clicks and engagement. In this case, the timing of the image’s release—just days before the summit concluded—suggested a deliberate attempt to influence narratives around the event.
Based on the evidence, the viral image is classified as DISINFORMATION. The claim was not the result of an accidental error or misinterpretation but rather a coordinated effort to disseminate a fabricated visual that mimicked real-world events. The use of AI technology to create such content highlights the growing threat of synthetic media in the digital age, where false imagery can be produced and distributed at scale without detection.
The Verdict
The viral image claiming to be a leaders’ selfie at the BRICS Summit is FALSE and constitutes DISINFORMATION. The image was generated using artificial intelligence and was deliberately circulated online to mimic a real event, creating a misleading narrative about the summit. No credible sources or official records support the claim, and the image’s characteristics are consistent with AI-generated content designed for deceptive purposes.
This case underscores the importance of critical media literacy and the need for fact-checking in the digital era. As AI tools become more accessible, the risk of synthetic media being used to distort reality increases. Users are advised to verify the authenticity of viral content, especially when it involves high-profile events or political figures, before sharing or acting on it.
Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).
