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Thousands turn up to non-existent New Year’s display after fake advert prank for second year in row
False online adverts, including AI-generated content, misled thousands to expect fireworks despite no official display since 2014, police warned of safety risks from misinformation.
- On Wednesday, revellers were misled into gathering in Centenary Square, Birmingham city centre, expecting a New Year’s Eve fireworks display that never happened, leaving attendees waiting in vain after midnight.
- A wave of viral posts and AI-generated images spread claims of a major show, with mocked-up adverts and viral social media posts promoting a bogus 'biggest New Year’s party' this year.
- On Tuesday, West Midlands Police warned there were no official events in the city centre and deployed officers in the square this year to tell attendees there was no event, cautioning misinformation can create "real safety issues" for public transport and emergency services.
- The bogus event left crowds frustrated as families and tourists who travelled to the city centre were left disappointed, marking the second consecutive year of similar hoaxes causing disruption.
- Officials note rumours about big celebrations spread online every year, with mock adverts circulating last year in Centenary Square and national reports of fake London Christmas market and AI images last month.
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26 Articles
26 Articles
People in Birmingham and New York City were fooled by fake ads and social media posts promising New Year's Eve fireworks displays, but there were no actual shows at Centenary Square or the Brooklyn Bridge.
Hundreds Fooled by Fireworks Hoax in UK
Birmingham, England, rang in the new year with a countdown to absolutely nothing—for the second straight year. Hundreds of people packed Centenary Square on New Year's Eve after posts on social media touted a fireworks show in the city center, complete with promotional graphics and timings, the Telegraph reports....
·Miami, United States
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They fell victim to misleading advertisements and online postings
Coverage Details
Total News Sources26
Leaning Left8Leaning Right8Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Left, 40% Right
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources lean Right
40% Right
L 40%
C 20%
R 40%
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