A fake image purporting to show an explosion on the premises of the United States Defense Department has caused US stock prices to briefly decline.
The image, apparently generated by artificial intelligence, shows black smoke rising near the Pentagon. It spread online on Monday before the original was deleted.
The local fire department soon tweeted, "There is NO explosion or incident taking place at or near the Pentagon reservation, and there is no immediate danger or hazards to the public."
The image was posted on social media, including from an account using a name mimicking Bloomberg News, a leading US provider of market and financial news.
Investors reacted, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average briefly losing more than 100 dollars.
The incident is expected to fuel concern over AI-generated disinformation. Fake images that went viral in the past include those of former President Donald Trump being dragged away by police officers.