A Nigerian X user, Enori, has apologised after admitting that she used artificial intelligence to create and circulate a fake image purporting to show an itel Power Tank exploding.
Enori had shared the image on X earlier in the week, claiming that the product had exploded due to overcharging. The post attracted significant attention before she deleted it and admitted that the incident never occurred.
In an apology posted on social media, Enori said the image and the claim were fabricated using AI.
She said, “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 also apologised to people who may have believed the image was genuine or were affected by the claim.
“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.
Enori further clarified 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 apology followed a warning issued by itel over the circulation of the AI-generated image, which purportedly showed an itel Power Tank after an explosion allegedly caused by overcharging.
In a disclaimer issued on X on Wednesday, the company described the image as fabricated and warned 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.
itel said it would not tolerate attempts to discredit its brand or mislead customers through fabricated content, manipulated materials or false claims.
The company added that it would pursue available legal remedies where necessary to protect its brand, customers and reputation.
The itel Power Tank is a portable power station marketed as a backup power source during electricity outages. The company says the product uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and is equipped with safety features, including battery management, over-temperature, over-voltage, overload and short-circuit protection.
There is currently no verified evidence linking an itel Power Tank to the explosion depicted in the AI-generated image.