Think before you post: Police warn against AI-generated images in SAPS uniform

The growing trend of using artificial intelligence to create realistic images of people dressed as police officers or appearing to be under arrest has caught the attention of police in the Free State.

Provincial police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said the issue had become serious enough to warrant a public warning, particularly as AI and face-swapping technology makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish fake images from real photographs.

The concern is that what may start as harmless entertainment or a social media trend could create the false impression that someone is a police officer or has been arrested.

“People need to think carefully before creating and sharing these images,” Earle said, warning that AI-generated pictures involving police uniforms, badges and arrests could easily be used to mislead or deceive others.

Under the South African Police Service Act, falsely presenting oneself as a police officer or creating the impression of being connected to SAPS is a criminal offence. The law also regulates the unauthorised use of police uniforms, badges and insignia.

Police insignia are legally protected and cannot simply be copied or used for personal representation, including on social media profiles, without permission.

The warning also extends to AI-generated images showing people being arrested. Such pictures could falsely suggest that someone has a criminal record or has been involved in illegal activity when that is not true, potentially causing embarrassment or reputational damage.

However, Earle stressed that creating an AI-generated image does not automatically amount to a crime.

The circumstances surrounding the image, including its purpose and whether it was used to deceive people or impersonate a police official, would be important considerations.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thabang Lesia said while police understood that many people use AI for entertainment, users needed to exercise responsibility when involving law enforcement imagery.

“The SAPS uniform represents authority and public trust and should not be used as a costume or to create a false identity,” Lesia said.

The message from police is clear: what may appear to be harmless fun online today could have serious consequences tomorrow.