What is the claim?
A black-and-white photograph purportedly showing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi smoking has circulated widely on social media, with claims that it dates back to her youth. The image depicts Gandhi leaning against a pole, cigarette in hand, and wearing a head covering.
Fact:
Upon investigation, however, it was discovered that Gandhi’s face has been digitally superimposed onto an original photo first uploaded to Tumblr in 2013.
The alteration appears to have been made using an AI content generator tool known for its ability to manipulate images and videos. A visible ‘Remaker’ watermark in the bottom left corner of the viral image suggests that the facial features were digitally altered.
Further scrutiny revealed discrepancies in the photo’s composition, particularly noticeable in the unrealistic sheen on Gandhi’s face, a common artifact of AI-generated images.
The verdict
The image allegedly depicting Sonia Gandhi smoking has been digitally altered. The face in the original photo was replaced using Remaker, an AI tool designed for creative content manipulation.
One Tip to Fight Misinformation:
Check for watermarks and inconsistencies: If the image contains watermarks, logos, or text, ensure they are consistent in style, opacity, and positioning. AI might have trouble maintaining these details flawlessly.