Fake videos of the hurricanes go viral. Here’s how to find old and fabricated footage online.

As Hurricane Milton devastated Florida’s west coast, dozens of misleading or AI-generated videos spread on social media, racking up millions of views across platforms. One video, incorrectly said to show Milton, was actually filmed from a 2021 nor’easter in Massachusetts. Another montage, which was viewed 1.5 million times on X, featured AI-generated imagery.

Experts participation misleading images regularly go viral after major natural disasters, often with the aim of gathering insights or spreading false claims. The National Weather Service has previously warned about “false or deliberately inaccurate reports of severe weather” on social media, featuring photos or videos taken of events “that occurred months to a few years ago.”

Cayce Myers, a professor of public relations at Virginia Tech, said viral AI-generated images during Hurricane Helene show the challenges in AI and social media.

“AI technology offers a greater ability to create realistic images that are deceptive,” Myers said, adding: “The problem is that these fake images influence people’s perception of reality, and social media fuels the spread of these disinformation.”

How to spot fake videos online

The CBS News Confirmed team put together these tips on how to spot fake videos that often appear after natural disasters:

1. Take a moment to think about the media you see. Does the footage appear to match other photos and videos from the location where it was shot, or is there anything that seems out of place? Are there any elements that indicate the video is made up, such as the unrealistic-looking waves in this AI-generated TikTok video?
2. Search for other photos or videos from the same location or scene. What do the other angles show, and do they seem to match? If not, the footage may be from a previous weather event or possibly AI-generated.

   Julia Ferrar, an associate professor at Virginia Tech, said search engines are helpful in this case: “Describing the image and adding the term ‘fact check’ to your search is often the quickest way to get more information and avoid misleading content.” to expose.”

3. Check what reputable sources, including media outlets and journalists, are reporting to see if their reports match the content you found online. Look for official statements from government officials or content released on their verified social media accounts or websites.

   For example, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety published fact checks about AI-generated content and other misinformation floating online during Hurricane Helene.

Please note that some of these videos circulating on social media are simply recycling old footage.

Social media policy on weather misinformation

House Democrats from states hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton wrote a letter Friday to seven tech companies, including Facebook, TikTok and , conspiracy theories and scams that undermine recovery efforts and exploit vulnerable individuals and families” in the wake of Helene.

When contacted by CBS News, Meta and TikTok said both companies are actively working to remove content that violates their policies.

A TikTok spokesperson said the company directs people searching for Milton or Helene content on its platform to official videos from FEMA, adding that the company works with 19 independent fact-checking organizations around the world.

Meta shared that the company is removing content that violates its Community Standards policy and is working with ten third-party fact-checking organizations in the US to debunk false claims or limit the reach of content if it is determined to be false.

A representative for X did not return a request for comment.

In addition to CBS News Confirmed’s tips for spotting weather misinformation online, the nonprofit think tank RAND has developed a 17-point checklist with more information on how to prevent the spread of false claims or misleading media during natural disasters.