CyberPoe Fact Check: Misleading AI-Generated Images Circulating During Canadian Farmer Protests
In November 2025, Canada witnessed protests advocating for agricultural sovereignty, sparked in part by public outrage over the culling of approximately 400 ostriches in British Columbia. While these protests were largely localized and attended by small groups of demonstrators, a wave of viral posts on social media painted a vastly different picture. Across platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, images and graphics circulated showing what appeared to be large-scale tractor roll demonstrations, with protest signs declaring “Save Canadian Produce Farms!” These visuals quickly garnered attention, leading to widespread assumptions about the scale and intensity of the events.
However, upon closer examination, these posts misrepresented reality. CyberPoe’s verification team, using open-source intelligence tools, reverse image searches, and AI-detection software, determined that many of the images circulating online were artificially generated. This raises concerns about the use of synthetic content to exaggerate or distort real-world events for social and political purposes.
The Spread of the Claim
The viral images depicted hundreds of tractors rolling through streets, with digitally enhanced crowds and protestors holding signs in support of agricultural rights. Several accounts accompanying the images falsely claimed that these visuals represented the entirety of the November 2025 Canadian farmer protests. The posts emphasized scale and intensity, framing the demonstrations as a major national movement rather than localized gatherings. In particular, the images referenced the ostrich culling in British Columbia as a central grievance, suggesting widespread anger and a coordinated response across multiple provinces.
Verification and AI Detection
To verify these claims, CyberPoe conducted a multi-step analysis. First, reverse image searches traced the origins of several images to a Facebook account impersonating Tamara Lich, a known figure from the 2022 “Freedom Convoy.” This account, based outside Canada, had previously circulated synthetic visuals of protests and demonstrations. Next, AI-detection tools such as Hive Moderation were employed to evaluate the authenticity of the images. The results indicated a high likelihood of artificial generation. Key indicators included garbled or nonsensical text on protest signs, distorted Canadian flags missing their signature maple leaf, and warped facial features inconsistent with real photographs.
Further analysis confirmed that the backgrounds and environmental details in the images did not match known protest locations or conditions in Canada during November 2025. The AI-generated visuals were clearly designed to exaggerate participation and create a misleading perception of nationwide unrest.
The Reality on the Ground
While protests did occur on November 22, 2025, their scale was limited. Media reports from Canadian outlets, local coverage, and eyewitness accounts describe smaller, localized demonstrations, often with fewer than a hundred participants in a given area. No large tractor convoys, mass gatherings, or nationwide protest networks were reported. The contrast between the viral images and reality highlights how AI-generated content can distort public understanding of current events.
Why the Fabricated Visuals Circulated
The timing and context of these posts are critical. The culling of ostriches in British Columbia drew genuine attention, creating fertile ground for sensational content. AI-generated visuals were leveraged to amplify perceived outrage, making protests appear far larger and more organized than they actually were. By exaggerating the scale, malicious actors were able to generate engagement, provoke reactions, and manipulate narratives surrounding Canadian agricultural policy.
Digital media experts note that such synthetic imagery is increasingly common in online activism and disinformation campaigns. By pairing real-world grievances with fabricated visual content, these campaigns seek to enhance credibility while misleading the audience. In this case, the images coincided with legitimate protests, lending them a veneer of authenticity that proved effective at driving shares and reactions across social media platforms.
Expert Assessment
Media analysts emphasize the importance of digital literacy in interpreting viral content. AI-generated images, particularly those depicting social movements, can significantly alter public perception and create false narratives. CyberPoe’s investigation demonstrates that, while Canadian farmers were indeed protesting in November 2025, the visuals exaggerating tractor convoys were not grounded in reality. This serves as a reminder that viral imagery is not inherently trustworthy, and cross-verification using reliable sources is essential before accepting claims at face value.
Conclusion
The circulating tractor-heavy visuals from the November 2025 Canadian farmer protests are artificial and misrepresent the true scale of the demonstrations. While legitimate protests occurred, they were localized and smaller than depicted in social media posts. CyberPoe’s analysis confirms that these AI-generated images were created to exaggerate intensity, mislead audiences, and amplify perceived unrest. Audiences should remain vigilant and critically assess visual content, particularly when it appears to depict large-scale social movements or politically charged events.
