Technology company, itel, has threatened legal action against individuals who use artificial intelligence-generated images and other fabricated content to spread false information about its products.
The company issued the warning in an official disclaimer on X on Wednesday following the circulation of an AI-generated image purportedly showing an itel Power Tank exploding.
The image was shared on social media alongside a false claim that the portable power station had exploded, with the incident allegedly linked to overcharging.
itel, however, said the content was fabricated and warned that deliberate attempts to misrepresent the company would attract legal action.
In the disclaimer, the company said, “At itel, we value our customers and appreciate every form of constructive criticism and feedback. Your opinions help us improve, and we remain committed to listening and addressing genuine concerns.
“However, we will not stand by while individuals use AI-generated images or other misleading content to spread false information, discredit our brand, or deliberately tarnish our reputation.”
The company added that it would take steps to protect its brand and customers from fabricated claims.
“We take such actions seriously and wish to make it clear that any deliberate attempt to misrepresent itel through fabricated content, manipulated materials or malicious false claims shall attract appropriate legal action.
“We will pursue all appropriate legal remedies where necessary to protect our brand, our customers, and our reputation,” it said.
The controversy began after an X user, Enori, shared the AI-generated image and claimed that an itel Power Tank had exploded.
The post attracted significant attention before the user later deleted it and apologised, admitting that the image and scenario were entirely AI-generated.
In the apology, Enori acknowledged that the claim was untrue and took responsibility for the misinformation and the confusion it caused.
Following the incident, itel Energy and related accounts had warned social media users against sharing the fabricated content and maintained that the image did not depict an actual incident involving an itel Power Tank.
The Power Tank is a portable power station marketed by itel for backup power during electricity outages. The product line uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and includes safety features such as battery management, over-temperature, over-voltage, overload and short-circuit protection.
However, there has been no verified incident linking the product to the explosion depicted in the viral image.