Fake AI-generated image leads to train cancellations in England

Photo caption, The photo on the left taken by a BBC journalist shows a bridge without any damage; on the right, fake AI-generated image that circulated on social media with the bridge partially destroyed

- author, Zoe Toase
- To roll, BBC News
- author, Laura O’Neill
- To roll, BBC News
43 minutes ago

Rail traffic was disrupted for an hour and a half in the northwest of England after a fake AI-generated image showing a partially destroyed bridge was shared on social media.

The fake photo was released after a 3.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Lancashire and Lake District areas on Wednesday evening (12/03).

Network Rail, which runs train services in the area, said it became aware of the fake image showing extensive damage to Carlisle Bridge in Lancaster at 12:30 a.m. local time and halted services there while safety checks were carried out.

A BBC journalist used an artificial intelligence chatbot which identified points of manipulation in the image.

Fake AI-created image shows Lancaster city bridge partially destroyed — Photo caption, Network Rail has stopped its services because of this false image

Network Rail said the line fully reopened around 2am local time and urged people to “consider the serious consequences” before creating or sharing false images.

“The disruption caused by the creation and sharing of false images and videos creates a completely unnecessary delay for passengers, to the detriment of the taxpayer,” a spokesperson said.

“This adds to the high workload on our frontline teams who are working hard to keep the railway operating without incident.”

“The safety of passengers and employees is our number one priority and we will always take any safety concerns seriously.”

British Transport Police said they had been “informed” of the situation, but there is no ongoing investigation into the incident.

Network Rail said 32 rail services, including passenger and freight trains, had suffered delays due to the misrepresentation.

Image of Carlisle Bridge — Photo caption, The journalist went to the site and found the bridge in good condition.

Rail line expert Tony Miles said due to the timing of the incident few passengers were affected.

“The biggest issue is that Network Rail has had to deploy staff to check the bridge, which could impact the works for several days.”

He urged people to think about the impact fake images can have on people.

Miles said that in other contexts, “it could have affected someone who had to go to a doctor’s appointment, or who had a flight or funeral.”

“It may seem like a joke, but whoever does this needs to think about the impact it will have on people.”