Technology company itel has threatened legal action against individuals who use artificial intelligence-generated images and fabricated content to spread false claims about its products.
The warning followed the circulation on social media of an AI-generated image purportedly showing an itel Power Tank exploding after allegedly being overcharged.
In a disclaimer posted on X on Wednesday, itel said the image and accompanying claims were fabricated. The company warned that deliberate attempts to misrepresent its products or damage its reputation would attract legal action.
itel said it values customer feedback and remains committed to addressing genuine concerns, but added that it would not tolerate the use of AI-generated or manipulated materials to spread false information.
The company stated that it would pursue appropriate legal remedies where necessary to protect its brand, customers and reputation.
The controversy began after an X user, Enori, shared the image and claimed that an itel Power Tank had exploded. The post attracted attention before the user deleted it and apologised, admitting that both the image and scenario were entirely AI-generated.
Enori acknowledged that the claim was untrue and accepted responsibility for the misinformation and confusion it caused.
itel Energy and related accounts subsequently warned social media users against sharing the fabricated content, stressing that the image did not depict an actual incident involving an itel Power Tank.
The Power Tank is a portable power station marketed by itel for backup electricity. The product line uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and includes safety features such as battery management, over-temperature, over-voltage, overload and short-circuit protection.
PUNCH, which first reported the development, noted that there was no verified incident linking the product to the explosion shown in the viral image.
