Disasters and Disinformation: AI and the Myanmar 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake
The earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025 exposed the nation to compounding harm. Over one million people were affected: thousands were dead or injured and close to 70,000 individuals internally displaced. Amid the chaos, a soaring demand for information updates in the aftermath of the earthquake created a conducive environment for the spread of disinformation.
The Myanmar case illustrates the impact of disinformation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). With social media as the main conduit for its spread, AI adds a layer of complexity by enabling faster and more widespread distribution of disinformation. The opportunistic timing highlights the intersection of crisis and technology, where misuse of AI may not only erode trust in information and institutions but can also potentially exacerbate the challenges of HADR.
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