With Canadian news still blocked from Facebook due to the controversial Bill C-18, the social media website is a prime spot for misinformation during an emergency.
It’s prompted a warning from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) about the dangers of posting misinformation and images created by artificial intelligence, and how to best avoid being duped by them.
The BCWS specifically cited two AI-generated images that started to make the rounds during the recent Drought Hill wildfire in Peachland, which forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes.
There’s a good chance Okanagan residents saw these types of posts as they scrolled their Facebook page searching for up-to-date information.
The BCWS said that residents could believe these types of images are real or accurate when they don’t represent the terrain, size or behaviour of the fire.
“This can be a time of fear and anxiety and, during times of concern, misinformation can spread quickly and add to the uncertainty,” the Wildfire Service explained.
“Whether well-intentioned or intentionally misleading, misinformation is the last thing any of us need during emergencies.”
The BCWS advised residents to identify at least one trustable local news outlet and go directly to that source for information during a wildfire emergency.
People can also download the BCWS or visit the website to get updates on wildfire sizes, what resources are responding, perimeters, images and more.
“It is more important now than ever before to ensure you are seeking official sources of wildfire and emergency information and turning a critical eye to content shared on social media in the heat of the moment,” the BCWS added.
Residents are also encouraged to sign up for a local emergency alert system like Voyent Alert or Alertable to ensure they’re informed of evacuations alerts and orders as soon as possible.
That kind of information can also be sourced through local governments through city or regional district websites.
According to the BCWS, “the best time to identify your own trusted sources is before you need them.”
