False claims about Aboriginal rock art and aliens were once fringe. Researchers fear AI could push them mainstream

A rough tail possum rock painting. Photo supplied by Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation. Photograph: Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation

Traditional owner Warren Barunga says he is angry that people are misusing his people’s sacred rock paintings.

The ancient Gwion Gwion and Wandjina figures, found in the Kimberley in Western Australia, have long been used in false claims that they were created by aliens or vanished civilisations.