AI Videos Give Wrong Idea of Western Australia's North

By Rachel Jackson

ABC Kimberley

Topic: AI

June 1, 2026, at 12:27 pm

AI videos on social media claim to show Western Australia's north.

In short:

AI-generated videos claim to show Western Australia's north.

Tour operators say these videos misrepresent the Kimberley region and threaten Indigenous culture.

What's next?

Experts say social media needs better rules to monitor AI content.

AI-generated images show fictional places and crocodiles sunbathing on high cliffs.

These AI creations worry tourism operators in the Kimberley region.

A video claims to show a Kimberley cliffside retreat that does not exist.

It has over 600,000 views.

An AI-generated video claims to show the Kimberley's Devonian limestone reef with sunbathing crocodiles.

Another video shows sunbathing freshwater crocodiles on the reef, which is over 50 meters high.

'Lacking authenticity'

Johani Mamid says the videos misrepresent the region.

The videos look more American-style than like the Kimberley.

A post about a Kimberley cliffside retreat has over 600,000 views.

The crocodiles in the video do not look real.

Johani Mamid has used AI tools but says artificial portrayals of land or culture should not be presented as authentic.

Johani Mamid says the videos do not accurately show the Kimberley region.

The WA Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions says visitors should use official sources for information.

Visitors can experience the region's beauty safely and responsibly with reliable information.

An AI-generated post talks about pearling history around Broome and the Torres Strait.

AI-generated culture

A video shows an AI-generated avatar impersonating an Indigenous person.

The avatar describes pearling history around Broome and the Torres Strait.

Bart Pigram says the content is not an authentic representation of Indigenous history.

AI will be a challenge in preserving the authenticity of culture and language.

The shells in the video are not the correct type, and the video does not show the harsh conditions faced by Indigenous divers.

Johani Mamid does not mind videos that teach people about history.

But the videos should be done better so people understand what it was like.

The video shows the avatar swimming in calm waters, not the harsh conditions.

Bart Pigram says AI content poses a massive challenge in preserving Indigenous culture.

AI content takes away the true essence of the location.

There are wonderful photographers who can take true photos.

Bart Pigram says AI threatens efforts to preserve Indigenous languages and accurate pronunciation.

'Far from misinformation'

Aussie AI Lens says its content is based on verified data and research.

Australia Hidden Gems did not respond to questions.

Tama Leaver says the motivation behind these posts is often to attract clicks.

Creating original content without paying for or attributing a photographer is a motivation.

Tama Leaver says the videos will become more convincing in the future.

The videos are not very good, but the technology will improve.

There is a global need for better AI regulation on social media.

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June 1, 2026, at 12:27 pm

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