Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

Amid Japan’s surge in bear attacks, a torrent of AI-generated videos is adding to anxiety

Screenshot of Sora AI TikTok video.
Screenshot of Sora AI TikTok video. Experts say a torrent of AI-generated videos in Japan purporting to show people in close encounters with bears is adding to public anxiety. Photograph: TikTok/Sora/nao_AI

If a record number of fatal bear attacks wasn’t terrifying enough, experts say a torrent of AI-generated videos in Japan purporting to show people in close encounters with the animals is only adding to public anxiety – and could put people at greater risk.

While headlines about real attacks and disruption appear on a regular basis, monitors of online content are warning social media users not to be taken in by realistic videos on platforms such as TikTok of the animals attacking or interacting with humans.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.