Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Chennai Corp. Uses AI to Falsely Close Complaint
Someone complained about dangerous power cables in Chennai.
The city government used AI to edit the photo of the problem, making it look like the problem was fixed, even though it wasn't.
The AI editing was bad, and didn't actually fix anything.
The person who complained is upset because the issue is still not resolved.
Officials are now investigating what happened.
A Chennai Corporation official used AI to edit a complainant's photo.
The photo, showing exposed power cables, was altered to falsely indicate the issue was resolved.
The AI editing was poorly executed, erasing parts of the image but leaving shadows.
The complainant expressed disappointment that the issue wasn't actually fixed.
Officials deny AI use, with promises of action and investigation.
- Who
- Chennai Corporation officials, a complainant (Kanna Palani), and an NGO representative (Jayaram Venkatesan).
- What
- Chennai Corporation officials used AI to edit a complainant's image to falsely claim a complaint was resolved.
- When
- The incident occurred recently; the complaint was posted on August 13th.
- Where
- Chennai, specifically Sunnambur Kolathul Road near DAV school in Pallikaranai.
- Why
- To falsely indicate a complaint had been resolved, potentially to show efficiency.
Complainant/Public View
Government's View
Concern over honesty
Complainant/Public View
The AI manipulation shows a disregard for public safety and genuine complaint resolution.
Government's View
Government officials aim to close complaints for efficiency.
- Location
- Sunnambur Kolathul Road, Chennai
- Complaint
- Exposed power cables
- Action Taken
- AI-edited image posted to claim resolution
- Official's Denial
- AEE Manoharan denied AI use
- NGO Involvement
- Arappor Iyakkam says this isn't the first time