Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Nigerian X user, identified as Enori, has publicly apologised after admitting that she used artificial intelligence to create and circulate a fake image claiming that an itel Power Tank had exploded due to overcharging. The image, which spread widely on social media earlier in the week, was entirely fabricated, and the incident it depicted never occurred. Enori deleted the post after it attracted significant attention and issued a video apology acknowledging the deception.
In her apology, Enori admitted that she had used AI to generate both the image and the scenario. “Hi, good morning, everybody. I made a post three days ago claiming that itel solar fan exploded and that it was overcharging, which I used AI to create. It didn’t happen, and I’m very, very sorry to the itel team and to the itel customers,” she said. She also apologised to anyone who believed the claim or was affected by it, stating that it was never her intention to damage the brand. “I’m very, very sorry. I know what it feels like to have a brand and for someone to just try to bring it down, and it was never my intention. I didn’t know it would go this far. I didn’t even think of it, and I’ll never do it again,” she added. She confirmed that the image was not a photograph of an actual incident involving the product. “To the incoming customers that may have felt deceived, or angry, or felt like or believed that it was real, it was not real. It was AI and I deleted it,” she said.
The controversy began when Enori shared the AI-generated image on X, claiming that an itel Power Tank had exploded after being overcharged. The post gained significant traction before she removed it. Itel, the company behind the Power Tank, issued a formal disclaimer on X on Wednesday, describing the image as fabricated and warning that it would take legal action against individuals who deliberately used AI-generated images or other misleading content to spread false information about its products. “At itel, we value our customers and appreciate every form of constructive criticism and feedback. Your opinions help us improve, and we remain committed to listening and addressing genuine concerns,” the company said. “However, we will not stand by while individuals use AI-generated images or other misleading content to spread false information, discredit our brand, or deliberately tarnish our reputation.” Itel said deliberate attempts to misrepresent the company through fabricated content, manipulated materials or malicious false claims would attract appropriate legal action, and that it would pursue all available legal remedies where necessary to protect its brand, customers and reputation.
The itel Power Tank is a portable power station marketed by the company as a backup power source during electricity outages. According to itel, the product uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and incorporates multiple safety features, including battery management, over-temperature protection, over-voltage protection, overload protection and short-circuit protection. There has been no verified incident linking an itel Power Tank to the explosion depicted in the AI-generated image. The company has not confirmed whether it will proceed with legal action against Enori following her apology.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of AI-generated misinformation, particularly when it involves product safety claims. Realistic AI-generated images are increasingly difficult to distinguish from genuine photographs, and false claims about product defects can spread rapidly on social media, causing reputational damage and misleading consumers before the authenticity of the material is established. In this case, the false claim was debunked and the user apologised, but the broader problem remains: the tools to fabricate convincing evidence are now widely accessible, and the consequences for brands and consumers can be severe.
For itel, the episode is a reminder of the reputational risks that come with the digital age. For Enori, it is a lesson in the power of misinformation and the legal and ethical consequences of using AI to deceive. For the public, it is a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying content before sharing it. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, the line between truth and fabrication will only become harder to discern. The apology may have ended this particular controversy, but the broader challenge of AI-driven misinformation is only just beginning.
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