HGP Nightly News – Fisherfolk have reported a sharp decline in sales after manipulated images and AI-generated videos linked to the MV Barima disaster reportedly made some consumers reluctant to purchase fish, prompting President Irfaan Ali to order a review of the penalties for harmful digital misinformation.
The issue was raised during Thursday’s Model Village Initiative consultation at the Mon Repos Primary School, where Ali heard concerns about the effect of online misinformation on residents’ livelihoods.
Following the July 18 ferry tragedy, doctored photographs and AI-generated videos circulated online purporting to show events connected to the disaster. Some falsely represented what had occurred and contributed to public confusion.
A fisherfolk told the President that the material had discouraged some people from purchasing or consuming fish, resulting in a significant loss of business.
The extent of the reported decline and its direct connection to the online posts have not been independently established.
Ali nevertheless said deceptive content can cause real economic and social damage, particularly when it spreads rapidly during a national tragedy.
“This type of misinformation can cause severe harm to communities and society,” the President said.
He instructed Attorney General Anil Nandlall to review the existing legal framework and determine whether the penalties applicable to deliberately deceptive AI-generated content are adequate.
“I’m asking you to look at that,” Ali told the Attorney General.
The government has not disclosed whether it intends to introduce new legislation, amend existing laws or increase current penalties.
It is also unclear how any proposed rules would define prohibited material. A legal framework would need to distinguish deliberately harmful or fraudulent content from satire, commentary, legitimate editing and lawful uses of artificial intelligence.
Ali also announced plans for a public education campaign to help citizens recognise digitally manipulated photographs, recordings and videos.
The initiative is expected to highlight common signs of alteration and encourage social media users to verify material before sharing it.
The government has previously warned about old, fabricated and unrelated images being presented as content from the MV Barima disaster. Authorities have urged citizens with authentic photographs, videos or firsthand information to submit that material directly to police investigators.
