Is France’s Eiffel Tower on fire?

Several people are in a state of panic amid rumors circulated by news outlets and social media users about the possibility that France’s Eiffel Tower is on fire. 

According to The Sun, the rumors in question emerged on Jan. 21, 2024, as social media users said that the beloved tourist attraction was engulfed with flames which caused quite a ruckus online. This leaves us with one question:

Is France’s Eiffel Tower on fire?!

In addition to the rumors, a video that garnered millions of views and nearly 50,000 likes on TikTok claimed that the Eiffel Tower was on fire which was later slammed for being a hoax as it was made using notorious artificial intelligence.

Despite the rumors concerning the French attack, it’s safe to say that the Eiffel Tower is safe and sound in Paris. In addition, The Sun said that there was no news coverage from Paris’ police website indicating that a fire engulfed the tower.

Artificial Intelligence is no stranger to making quite a mess on social media as artists (especially digital artists) have been suffering from software that uses the technology to allegedly steal their work without their consent causing an outrage in the community.

It’s only natural for people to be concerned as the Eiffel Tower is an attraction that is known worldwide and witnesses millions of visitors annually.

Here’s how some users reacted to the hoax:

“No, please tell me that everything is fine with the Eiffel Tower, I haven’t visited it yet and that’s my dream.”

“Nooo that can’t be happening.”

“It was my dream to go there.”

“Did not see this happening in 2024.”

Despite AI being convincing sometimes, other users took to TikTok’s comment section and added:

“It’s not real chill.”

“Come on people, how can you not tell this isn’t real!”