Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Technology company itel has threatened legal action against individuals who deliberately use artificial intelligence-generated images and fabricated content to spread false claims about its products, following the circulation of a fake image purportedly showing an itel Power Tank exploding.
The company issued the warning in an official disclaimer on X on Wednesday, September 23, after the AI-generated image began circulating on social media alongside a claim that an itel Power Tank had exploded following alleged overcharging. itel rejected the claim and said the material was fabricated.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing challenge posed by realistic AI-generated content, particularly when manipulated images are presented as evidence of product failures or safety incidents.
Viral image falsely portrayed Power Tank explosion
The controversy began when an X user identified as Enori shared an image purporting to show an itel Power Tank that had exploded.
The post attracted attention before it was later deleted. The user subsequently apologised and acknowledged that both the image and the scenario surrounding the alleged explosion had been generated using artificial intelligence.
The user also accepted responsibility for the misinformation and the confusion caused by the post.
itel Energy and related accounts subsequently warned social media users against circulating the material, maintaining that the image did not represent an actual incident involving an itel Power Tank.
There is therefore no verified evidence from the reporting reviewed by Weng Global that the explosion depicted in the viral image actually occurred.
itel warns of legal consequences
In its response, itel said it welcomes genuine customer feedback and constructive criticism but would not accept deliberate attempts to damage its reputation through fabricated or manipulated content.
The company warned that individuals who intentionally misrepresent its products through fabricated images, manipulated materials or malicious false claims could face legal action.
itel said it would pursue appropriate legal remedies where necessary to protect its brand, customers and reputation.
The warning marks a significant distinction between legitimate criticism of a product and deliberately fabricated material presented as a real event.
Customers who experience a genuine problem with a product can raise complaints through appropriate channels, while manipulated images can make it difficult for consumers to determine whether a reported safety incident is genuine.
What is the itel Power Tank?
The itel Power Tank is a portable power station marketed as a backup electricity solution, particularly for situations involving power outages.
Reports on the product indicate that the Power Tank line uses lithium iron phosphate battery technology and incorporates protection systems covering issues such as temperature, voltage, overload and short circuits.
These product features, however, should not be interpreted as proof that a product can never experience a technical failure. Rather, they are part of the safety systems described for the product line.
In the case of the viral image, the important distinction is that the alleged explosion shown in the image has not been verified as a real incident involving an itel Power Tank.
AI-generated misinformation creates new challenge
The episode demonstrates how artificial intelligence is changing the way misinformation can be created and distributed online.
Images generated or manipulated using AI can appear convincing enough to be mistaken for photographs of real events. When such material is attached to claims involving product safety, accidents, public figures or emergencies, it can potentially spread before users have an opportunity to establish whether it is genuine.
For companies, the consequences can extend beyond online debate. A fabricated image depicting a product failure can affect public perception, consumer confidence and the reputation of a brand.
For consumers, the incident highlights the importance of checking the origin of dramatic images before treating them as evidence.
The existence of an image alone does not establish that the event shown actually happened.
Why verification matters
The itel incident also highlights the importance of verification when information originates on social media.
Users encountering claims about product explosions, recalls, accidents or other safety concerns can check whether the company involved has issued an official statement. They can also look for reporting from established news organisations or information from relevant regulators and other authoritative sources.
In this case, the original post was eventually deleted and its author acknowledged that the material was AI-generated. That admission provided an important indication that the image did not represent a genuine Power Tank explosion.
Social media users should therefore be cautious about reposting alarming images before establishing their authenticity.
itel’s response and what happens next
itel has said it will take appropriate steps to protect its brand, customers and reputation from fabricated claims.
The company has not, in the reports reviewed by Weng Global, announced that a specific lawsuit has already been filed over the incident.
The immediate development is therefore the warning of potential legal action rather than confirmation of completed court proceedings.
The incident also leaves a broader question for technology companies and social media platforms: how should legitimate criticism be distinguished from intentionally fabricated content in an environment where AI tools can produce increasingly realistic images?
For consumers, the practical lesson is to verify claims before sharing them, particularly when an image appears to show a serious safety incident.
The wider significance
The case comes at a time when AI-generated content is becoming increasingly common across social media platforms.
AI technology can be used constructively for education, creativity, design and communication. However, the same tools can also be used to manufacture realistic-looking material that falsely appears to document an event.
The itel controversy illustrates how quickly such content can become a reputational issue for a company.
It also reinforces the responsibility of social media users to distinguish between genuine evidence and digitally generated material.
For journalists, the development further underscores the importance of independently verifying images, videos and claims before publication. A dramatic photograph may attract attention, but its authenticity must be established before it is treated as evidence of an event.
In the itel case, the available reporting indicates that the image was fabricated and that the person who posted it later acknowledged its AI-generated origin.
What readers should know
The viral image did not establish that an itel Power Tank had exploded.
The person who posted the image later deleted it, apologised and acknowledged that the image and scenario were AI-generated.
itel has warned that deliberate fabrication or manipulation intended to misrepresent its products could result in legal action.
As of September 24, 2026, the reports reviewed by Weng Global do not establish that a real Power Tank explosion corresponding to the viral image occurred.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Punch Newspapers — report on itel’s legal-action warning and the fake AI-generated image.
- Legit.ng — report detailing the viral post, the user’s apology and itel’s response.
- NGN.com.ng — report reproducing details of itel’s warning and the subsequent clarification.
