AI-Generated Image Sparks Claims of Canadian Imposes Ban on Tesla Cars

As the United States and Canada have engaged in a trade war in recent weeks, a viral claim circulated on social media platforms stated Tesla EV cars were not allowed to enter Canadian territory. The claim came with an image showing a sign read “Tesla Not Allowed” placed very close to a border crossing. The claim has been widely shared along with comments and reactions from users. However, our investigation found out the claim was false.

SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIM

A viral claim rapidly gaining traction on social media asserts that Tesla vehicles, manufactured by the world’s richest billionaire, Elon Musk, have been barred from entering Canada.

The claim is accompanied by an image showing a sign reading “Tesla Not Allowed,” purportedly positioned near a Canada-United States border crossing.

Below is the screenshot of the viral claim on Facebook on March 5, 2025, stating that: “No More Tesla in Canada.”

Facebook Post | Archived Link

The claim has been widely circulated across social media platforms, including Meta’s newly formed Threads, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Below is the screenshot of the claim shared on Instagram on March 5, 2025, stating that Canada became the first country to ban Tesla and wished to see the American electric vehicle maker go down the drain.

Instagram Post | Archived Link

Below is a screenshot of the claim shared on Instagram on March 5, 2025, questioning the authenticity of the sign.

Instagram Post | Archived Link

Below is a screenshot of the claim posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on March 7, 2025, questioning the validity of the assertion.

X Tweet | Archived Link

Below is a screenshot of the claim shared on Threads on March 6, 2025, with the caption: “No more Tesla in Canada.”

Threads Post | Archived Link

As it has been widely shared on social media platforms, the same claim can be seen through various links here: Link 1 (archived), Link 2 (archived), Link 3 (archived), Link 4 (archived), Link 5 (archived), Link 6 (archived), Link 7 (archived), Link 8 (archived) and Link 9 (archived).

FACT CHECK

Fact Crescendo checked and verified the above-mentioned claims by conducting a Google Reverse Image Search, which led to the following findings.

Using Google Reverse Image Search, we found the image uploaded on a Facebook page called Meanwhile in Ukraine, accompanied by a caption seeking support from social media users who endorse the work.

Understandably, the Facebook page frequently uploads artwork and photoshopped images, likely aimed at supporting the Ukrainians in their fight against the Russian invasion and opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

Below is a screenshot of the Facebook page’s post from March 6, 2025, with the caption: “Tesla not allowed. If you enjoy what we do and want to help us keep going, please support us with any amount via this link.”

Facebook Post | Archived Link

By conducting a reverse image search, we also discovered that social media users on another platform stated that the widely shared image was not authentic. Instead, it was generated using an artificial intelligence program.

Below is a screenshot of the image shared on Imgur, the American online image-sharing network and image-hosting service. The image post was accompanied by user comments clarifying that an artificial intelligence program generated it.

Imgur Post | Archived Link

To determine if the image was generated by an artificial intelligence program, Fact Crescendo conducted an analysis using an AI-detection tool. The results confirmed that the image was indeed generated by AI.

Below is a screenshot from the analysis conducted on the AI-detection tool website (sight engine), confirming that the image is not authentic.

Archived Link

According to information published on the website of a Canadian law firm, there are over 100 land crossings along the Canada-United States border.

To verify the widely shared image with images of the Canada-United States border crossing, Fact Crescendo reviewed an extensive list of border crossings shared by both countries. Upon reviewing the list published on Wikipedia, it was confirmed that the image does not correspond to any known border crossing.

In response to an inquiry by Fact Crescendo, Karine Martel, spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency, dismissed the above claim, stating that no ban has been imposed by the Canadian authority on Tesla’s vehicles.

Tesla cars are among the leading electric vehicles in Canada. According to figures published by a website, Tesla sales in Canada increased from 16,444 units in 2020 to 52,806 units in 2023.

However, Tesla sales in Canada saw a 70 percent decline in the whole of 2024 compared to the figure a year earlier, according to the National Post’s report a few days ago.

Recently, an online debate has emerged in Canada proposing a ban or restriction on Elon Musk’s Tesla electric vehicles as a retaliatory measure against Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on goods imported from Canada, according to a report by Global News last month.

This relates to Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, who has been appointed as a special envoy by President Trump to reduce U.S. federal government expenses. He is also regarded as one of President Trump’s closest advisors, influencing the trade war with Canada and other countries, according to the same report.

CONCLUSION

Fact Crescendo determined that the above-mentioned claim is false. Canada Border Services Agency clarified no ban has been introduced against the importation of Tesla EV cars into Canada. The widely shared image was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).