The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Warfare
At the user level, the popularization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is leading to everyday uses—from cheating on tests to helping us organize our day. However, its implications extend beyond personal applications, entering discussions that affect us all—including ecological, labor, and ethical debates. Most notably, the role of AI is also in the hands of governments , transforming it into a valuable tool for soft warfare and propaganda on a global scale. The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel presents several poignant examples of this phenomenon.
The images above are not real. They are generated by AI. When the Gulf War broke out in 1991, it was touted as the first war we would see unfold live. We are now extending that notion to its extremes, further complicated by the manipulation of information through artificial intelligences. Images and videos circulated on social media and messaging apps display real-time bombings, yet not everything is as it seems. These images allegedly depict F-35 jets being shot down by the Iranian military, a claim supported by reports from the country’s media. Iranian news sources back this claim.
Israel quickly denied these accusations. A closer look at the second image reveals its falsehood: the ridiculous size of the aircraft compared to the buildings present. It has resulted in numerous individuals circulating this image, believing it to be legitimate.
Videos play a crucial role as well. With the powerful launch of Google’s Veo 3, large-scale videos have emerged, aligning well with these photos. The Iranian news outlet Tehran Times is disseminating videos showcasing colossal missiles that do not exist. How do we know this? They left Veo’s watermark on the video. A similar incident occurred with a purported bombing in Tel Aviv, identifiable as AI-generated. Behind these creations lies the account 3amelyonn, which identifies itself as “Resistance with Artificial Intelligence,” and whose videos also circulate on Telegram.
With the tacit approval of high-ranking officials. Such actions are not always orchestrated solely by disinformation operatives on social media. The Supreme Leader of Iran, Sayyid Ali Khamenei, tweets images of Iranian missiles supposedly headed for Israel generated by ChatGPT, while the Israeli Minister of Defense produces visual content (often referred to as ‘AI slop’) that overwhelms platforms like Facebook. It is not surprising that leaders from both sides engage in this iconographic warfare : it serves not only to disseminate damaging propaganda against the other side but also to compensate for the informational shortcomings experienced by the citizens.
Please, only AI. The governments of Iran and Israel have additional reasons for supporting the dissemination of propaganda using AI. When civilians shared images of massacres in cities, there was concern that such videos could provide strategic insights to opposing forces. Using AI mitigates the risk that these videos would give away sensitive information. According to 404Media, Israel has even issued a statement on social media urging its citizens to be responsible about sharing sensitive locations, stating “the enemy examines these documents to improve their targets.” Hence, AI becomes a tool for sharing propaganda that is not strategically sensitive.
How to identify artificial intelligence content. The companies involved in creating generative tools often leave identifiable marks on their output. Apart from visible and editable watermarks, Google AI includes an invisible mark called SynthID. However, using this feature poses a challenge: users must download the video appearing, for instance, on social media and then upload it to the SynthID platform. This process can take several minutes, possibly allowing misleading videos to reach millions in the meantime—precious time in terms of propaganda.
As AI continues to morph our realities, the examples emerging from the conflict between Iran and Israel underscore the dangers and potentials associated with its use in modern warfare and propaganda. The rapid spread of AI-generated misinformation highlights the need for robust mechanisms to discern fact from fabricated content, especially in sensitive geopolitical contexts. Vigilance and strength in identifying and managing these technological advancements are crucial to prevent misconceptions from spiraling out of hand.