AI Deception Sparks Monkey Hunt in New Jersey

A Strange Call in Newark

Officials have stated that any photos and videos circulating on social media showing wild monkeys on the loose in Newark were probably generated by artificial intelligence. The unusual situation began to unfold on Thursday morning around 10:30 a.m. when Newark police received calls about monkeys being spotted at the Georgia King Village apartment complex.

Police Investigation Finds Nothing

Responding to the reports, officers arrived at the complex to investigate. According to a statement from Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, a thorough search of the area was conducted. However, the officers were unable to find any monkeys, either roaming free or contained in cages. This was not the first time authorities had been called to the location for such a claim. Animal control officers had previously investigated a similar report at the same apartment complex on Wednesday, and that search also turned up no evidence of any primates.

Authorities Suspect AI-Generated Hoax

After two fruitless searches, authorities have concluded that the incident was likely a prank. "We have preliminarily determined that this incident is a hoax," Miranda's statement confirmed. The belief is that the convincing images that sparked the calls were created using AI tools. While no one has been charged in connection with the false reports, the police have stated that the investigation remains ongoing.