Newark police responded to a high-rise apartment complex Thursday morning after receiving reports of monkeys on the loose this most likely turned out to be Social media hoax created by artificial intelligence.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said the monkeys were reported to Royal Village of Georgia around 10:35 a.m., but a thorough search revealed no animals.
The reaction was reportedly sparked by a photo on Facebook showing wild monkeys appeared to be shown climbing around a dumpster in the complex according to 1010 Wins.
A similar incident was reported elsewhere in Newark on Wednesday, prompting a strong response from animal control authorities.
“Officers did not find any monkeys,” Miranda said Thursday. “Any photos or videos posted on social media regarding this incident are likely to have been created by artificial intelligence.”
A a similar hoax occurred in Yonkers last month when people were sent AI-generated photos of men in their homes, leading to reports of intruders.
“We need to use the AI correctly and not play too much. When the police come for something that isn't real, it's a waste of time when they could be doing other things,” Newark resident Richard Chapman told PIX 11.
No charges have been filed, although investigators are looking for whoever posted the photos. According to the laws of the State of New Jersey, this crime aimed at creating a false public alarm.
