Hyperrealistic AI Videos: A New Threat to Truth
amsterdam, woensdag, 25 juni 2025.
Google’s latest software, Veo 3, enables the creation of hyperrealistic AI videos, raising new concerns about the spread of fake news. Experts warn that this technology will further blur the line between truth and fabrication. A video claiming that J.K. Rowling’s yacht had sunk turned out to be a fake but garnered 5.6 million views on X. This is just one example of how quickly these AI-generated videos can go viral and flood the online world with lies.
Google’s Veo 3: A Revolution in Video Creation
Google recently introduced Veo 3, an AI video generation program capable of creating hyperrealistic videos with a single click. This software offers improvements over previous versions, such as more realistic output, 4K images, better prompt adherence, and sound tracks [1]. Veo 3 is not yet available in the Netherlands and other EU countries, but the Volkskrant was able to test the software for a week [1]. The program generates videos with moving lips that speak in sync, making it even harder to distinguish between real and fake [1].
Blurring the Line Between Truth and Fabrication
Experts warn that Veo 3 will further blur the line between truth and fabrication. An example of this is a video claiming that J.K. Rowling’s yacht had sunk after an attack by orcas off the coast of Turkey. This video attracted 5.6 million views on X, but in reality, Rowling was unharmed [1]. Sander Duivestein, an expert, states: ‘This is the embodiment of Real Fake. Of course, you still see some flaws, but in most cases, it is almost impossible to tell what is real and what is not.’ [1]
Impact on Social Media and News Reporting
Hyperrealistic AI videos go viral on social media platforms like TikTok and are used in news reports about conflicts (such as between Iran and Israel). AI videos are also used to fabricate historical events, for example, ‘Bible Influencer’ videos where Jesus speaks from the cross [1]. The spread of these videos has concerning implications for media literacy and democracy, as truth and falsehood become increasingly indistinguishable [1].
Combating Fake News
To combat the spread of fake news, tech companies and researchers are developing new methods. Google promises simple methods for consumers to verify AI-generated content, such as invisible digital watermarks [1]. Additionally, researchers are working on techniques to detect AI-generated videos, such as identifying unnatural micro-movements [GPT].
Practical Tips for Readers
To identify fake news, readers can apply the following practical tips:
- Check the sources of news articles and videos.
- Look for multiple, reliable sources that confirm the same story.
- Watch out for spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and unnatural movements in videos.
- Trust well-known and reputable news organizations.
- Be critical and ask yourself if the story makes sense and fits with other known facts [1].