‘The editing process distorted the image that was not captured in the reviewing process’
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham is promising stricter enforcement of government rules for artificial intelligence after an obviously altered image appeared in a vaccination post on the government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.
The public service announcement, aimed at encouraging vaccinations, featured an older woman smiling with a bandage on her arm. On closer inspection, the image showed the woman with six fingers on one hand, and a denim sleeve that was somehow both rolled up for the injection and still covering her forearm, CBC reported.
The post, published Friday, was taken down once the distortions were noticed. By then, however, the flawed image had already attracted attention online and shifted focus away from the province’s immunisation message.
Province admits Photoshop AI to blame
In a written statement, the provincial government acknowledged that the image had been unintentionally altered using artificial intelligence tools built into its design software.
“The latest version of software used by provincial government design staff, Photoshop, contains an AI component, which is used for editing and re-sizing photos, often for social media … In this instance, the editing process distorted the image that was not captured in the reviewing process,” the statement said, as reported by CBC News.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Wakeham said the misstep was not acceptable and undercut the purpose of the campaign. “The point is they shouldn’t be using it. The point is that we’ve got to focus in on getting our messages out, and unfortunately, when you make mistakes like that, or things like that happen, then that becomes the story,” he said, according to the report.
“We have to tighten up how government deals with AI and the use of AI, most definitely. It should not happen,” Wakeham added, saying officials would be reminded of the rules already in place.
Nearly one in three organisations in the U.S., Canada and Europe using AI in Microsoft 365 have experienced an AI‑driven data exposure incident, exposing HR records and other sensitive information, according to a previous report.
Second AI controversy raises pattern concerns
The six‑finger image is the second AI-related controversy to hit the province in as many months.
In April, Tourism Minister Andrea Barbour came under criticism after sharing a promotional graphic for National Tourism Week that used an altered image of The Rooms, a well-known cultural landmark in St. John’s. That earlier incident raised questions about authenticity in government visuals and the transparency of using AI‑modified imagery.
“We cannot continue to have these kind of mistakes being made,” Wakeham said on Monday, suggesting the two cases point to a broader problem in how AI tools are being managed, according to CBC.
The premier said the government does have an AI policy, but the recent issues show a clear gap between written rules and daily practice.
Opposition parties demand stronger AI framework
Opposition leaders are pressing the government to move beyond internal reminders and set out a more comprehensive framework for artificial intelligence, CBC News reported.
Liberal Leader John Hogan said his party does not rely on AI to generate or edit photos, but does use AI tools for “copy or background checking.” He argued that clearer standards are now needed for the public service. “Where’s the legislation? Where’s the plan? Where’s the policy to fix it?” Hogan said.
Hogan previously faced AI questions during his tenure as premier, after the province’s Education Accord — a 10‑year plan for the school system — was criticised for including fake citations that some educators believe may have been produced by AI.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn said government must keep a much closer watch on how artificial intelligence is deployed, warning that the recurring incidents suggest an emerging pattern of misuse. Wakeham said a review of AI use in government communications is under way and pledged that similar errors will not be repeated.
AI-driven scams are hitting Canadian employers’ bottom lines while leaving workers anxious and uncertain about whether they can spot the next attack, according to previous reports from KPMG Canada and RBC.
