The BBC has published an interactive quiz challenging readers to distinguish between real photographs and AI-generated human faces, highlighting how difficult that task has become as image-generation technology rapidly improves. The feature is based on research led by psychologist Dr. Clare Sutherland of the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with an Australian academic, examining whether people can learn to identify AI-created faces more accurately.
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According to the researchers, modern AI systems can produce highly realistic portraits that often fool viewers, making visual inspection alone an increasingly unreliable way to judge authenticity. The interactive test invites participants to compare genuine photographs with AI-generated “deepfake” faces before revealing the correct answers and discussing the findings from the research.
The project comes as concerns grow over the spread of AI-generated images, videos and other synthetic media online. Researchers and technology experts have warned that advances in generative AI are making manipulated content more convincing, increasing the risks of misinformation, fraud and identity deception.
Experts also note that many of the traditional clues once used to spot AI-generated images—such as distorted hands or obvious visual glitches—are becoming less reliable. Instead, they recommend verifying the source of an image, checking its context, performing reverse image searches when possible, and relying on trusted information rather than appearance alone.
