VPD facing backlash over possible use of AI in post online

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) posted an online photo related to nine arrests for alleged drug trafficking.
The posted image contains items that have raised suspicions of being altered by artificial intelligence, indicated by distorted lettering and fake bills.
Online users questioned the authenticity of the photo, noting a tag “AI info” on the original Facebook posting.
VPD Sgt. Adam Donalson clarified that the department used software to edit out the names of the accused but did not refer to AI.
The edited photo was later replaced by the original photo with cropped names to respect the privacy of the accused.
The VPD’s social media post has since updated to display the new, un-edited image without the names.