A historian has warned that AI-generated images and videos depicting historical events should always be clearly labelled so they can be distinguished from genuine historical evidence.
Gilly Carr, a professor of conflict archaeology and Holocaust heritage at University of Cambridge, has raised concerns about the growing number of artificial images circulating online that portray events from the German occupation of the Channel Islands during the World War II. According to her, such content is being shared widely on social media, sometimes without any indication that it was created using artificial intelligence.
She argues that presenting AI-generated material without clear labels can mislead viewers, especially those unfamiliar with the historical record. Without context, people may struggle to distinguish between authentic photographs and modern digital reconstructions.
The Channel Islands, including Jersey and Guernsey, were occupied by Nazi Germany for several years during the war before being liberated in 1945. The occupation left a lasting impact on local communities, and many families still have relatives who experienced imprisonment, forced labor, or deportation.
Carr said some relatives of victims have expressed concern that AI creators might use real people’s names or stories to generate fictional images or videos. For families connected to survivors of concentration camps or Nazi prisons, seeing inaccurate or fabricated portrayals can be distressing.
She emphasized that photographs play a crucial role in documenting history. When artificial images circulate without explanation, they risk blurring the line between documented evidence and modern interpretation. Over time, this could complicate how future generations understand past events.
Carr therefore argues that transparency is essential. Clearly marking AI-generated material, she says, would allow people to appreciate digital reconstructions while still recognizing the difference between creative representation and authentic historical records.
According to her, protecting the integrity of historical evidence is vital—not only for education, but also for preserving the memories of those who experienced these events firsthand.
