TikTok removes viral AI images of Singaporeans missing…

A TikTok video featuring AI-generated images of Singaporeans missing following flash floods in Nepal and Tibet was removed by the platform after gaining over 150,000 views. The post, which misled users into believing the fabricated portraits were authentic, caused significant distress to the families of those involved.

What happened

On August 31, a TikTok post was uploaded containing a mix of genuine and AI-generated photographs of nine Singaporeans who went missing after flash floods struck parts of Tibet and Nepal on August 26. The post displayed real photographs of three individuals—Estee Loeh, Shubakshi Rawla, and Sumit Rawla—alongside AI-generated portraits of four others: Rengarajan Prabu, Shalinny Deavy Elan Sozan, Subramaniam Diraviam, and Rajesvaran Ayyavoo.

The AI images were reportedly derived from photographs previously shared on Facebook by Leaf Holidays Treks and Expedition on August 28. The fabricated media contained inaccuracies; for instance, the portrait of Shalinny Deavy Elan Sozan depicted her with a black pottu, whereas her husband confirmed she traditionally wears a red one.

TikTok removed the post on September 2, citing violations of its policies regarding edited media and AI-generated content. The platform stated that the post misled users into viewing the fabricated images as genuine. Before its removal, the video had accrued nearly 300 comments. TikTok noted that it increases detection efforts during major events, such as natural disasters and public safety emergencies, to combat misinformation.