GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Seeing isn't always believing anymore.
Between the increase in disinformation online and the rise of AI, understanding what's real and what isn't can get challenging. However, as tools to fool, fake, and alter media get smarter, so do the tools to detect disinformation and artificial intelligence.
Below, check out some free tools you can use to spot AI or fact-check what you find online. Nearly all of these tools are best used on a computer. Also, keep in mind, no resource is perfect; it's always best to use multiple tools where possible. These resources can help detect when something is fake, but they cannot guarantee that something is real just because it comes back clean using that tool.
IMAGES
Reverse image search
Not sure if a photo is legit? A reverse image search can help detect if the same or similar photo has been posted on the internet before. That can help you discover if a "new" photo isn't truly original, or if it's been altered in some way. The RevEye extension for Chrome browsers will run multiple online photo reverse searches (Bing, Google and Tineye) with a simple right-click on an image.
Metadata search
Always check the fine print, and that can be true for images too. Digital photos carry a wealth of data under all of those pixels, including the date the photo was taken, where it was taken, and what kind of camera was used. Metadata/EXIF search tools can help read that data to see if a photo was really snapped in the time and place that someone claims.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Generative AI is now capable of creating all kinds of realistic media. Sometimes it can be obvious: too many fingers on an AI-generated image of a person, or a specific writing style in AI-generated text. However, AI technology is advancing so quickly that those previous tell-tale signs are vanishing. Plus, other tools like reverse image search may not flag an AI-generated photo or deepfake as it may be a completely original image that's never appeared online before.
AI photo detection
AI video detection
AI text detection
AI audio detection
- ElevenLabs AI Speech Classifier (only detects audio created using ElevenLabs products)
- PlayHT Voice Classifier
FACT-CHECKING
Here are a few of the organizations that specialize in fact-checking social media and debunking online claims:
- AFP Fact Check
- Associated Press Fact Check
- FactCheck.org
- Snopes
- Verify (part of our parent company, TEGNA)
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