Spot the fake

AI can now create pictures, videos and voices that look and sound real. The good news is they usually leave clues. Here is what to look and listen for, so you and your child can tell the difference.

The one thing to remember: "it looks real" is no longer proof that something is real. AI is improving quickly, so a fake with no obvious clues is still possible. When the signs are not clear, fall back on checking the source with the "Is it real?" check.

Signs in AI images

Hands and teeth: extra or missing fingers, or teeth that blur together.

Text and logos: garbled writing, wonky letters or brand logos that are not quite right.

Backgrounds: objects that melt into each other, or patterns that do not line up.

Skin and light: skin that looks too smooth or plastic, and shadows falling the wrong way.

Jewellery, glasses and ears: small details that are lopsided or joined together oddly.

Signs in AI video

Faces: mouths that do not quite match the words, or very little natural blinking.

Edges: a slight blur or shimmer where a face meets hair or neck.

Movement: stiff or jerky head movements, or lighting that flickers oddly.

Source: it only appears on one unknown account, never on trusted news.

Signs in cloned voices

Tone: flat or robotic delivery, with little natural emotion.

Pacing: odd pauses, or no pauses for breath at all.

Pressure: a sudden urgent request for money, codes or secrets.

Context: the person calls from an unknown number and will not verify who they are.

A good family habit: agree a spoken password that only your household knows. If a call claims to be a relative in trouble and cannot say it, treat the call as fake.

When a fake is of a real person

AI is sometimes used to make fake images or videos of real people, including children and classmates. This can be upsetting and, where it involves a child, it is illegal. If this happens to your child or someone they know, it is not their fault, and there is help.

Do not share it on. Save any evidence, such as the account name or link, but do not forward the content.
Report it. Report to the platform, and to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Get a nude image of an under-18 removed through Report Remove, run by Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation.
Report online child abuse concerns to CEOP, part of the National Crime Agency.
Talk to someone. Childline is free on 0800 1111, and the NSPCC has advice for parents.

Try the "Is it real?" check

A quick routine for when you are still not sure.

Last reviewed: July 2026.