Footage At 28,000 Feet May Have Been AI-Generated

A dramatic video clip described as showing a Chinese paraglider who got caught in a “cloud suck” that took him to 27,000 feet was pulled by NBC News and many other news sites due to concerns it was AI-generated.

NBC was the first U.S. network to remove the video after it received information suggesting it was not real. Numerous news agencies around the world had posted the video on air along with the websites of newspapers including The New York Times and The Guardian.

NBC said in a statement posted under the pulled video: “NBC News has determined that some of the footage provided by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV and distributed by Reuters that appeared in our initial coverage was AI-generated. We have removed this video and are continuing to report on the veracity of the story. This note will be updated in due course.”

BBC and CNN also pulled the video after NBC with notes explaining the reason for the removal. CNN said in its note: “Video shared by China Central Television (CCTV) on Tuesday showed Peng with ice covering his face and clothes while drifting in the clouds. However, parts of the video appear to be AI-generated; all of the footage is being investigated for authenticity by CNN. We are seeking further information from Peng Yujiang, but he has not responded to our request.”

The original story, which broke last week, said the video was described as showing 55-year-old Peng Yujiang’s ascent after his equipment was caught in a strong updraft called a “cloud suck.”

The video also shows Peng struggling against strong winds and looking dazed with frostbitten fingers above the clouds. The footage was licensed by Chinese State TV network CCTV and other distributors.

Because the authenticity of the video is questionable, the truth of the actual story is being re-investigated. NBC said separately it had contacted social media accounts apparently tied to Peng but has not yet received any response.

NBS also explained that its suspicions were aroused after it came out that the video had been cropped to cut out a logo for Doubao AI, a tool created by Douyin and TikTok owner ByteDance.

FMI:  https://www.ushpa.org/