On Twitter’s disinformation alert tool, the photos showing Donald Trump snuggling up to and kissing Anthony Fauci were identified as AI-generated.
Ron DeSantis, a pro-bitcoin candidate for president, has come under fire and scrutiny for reportedly exploiting graphics produced by artificial intelligence in a marketing campaign against his challenger, former President Donald Trump. The event brings to light the growing worry over the use of deep fakes produced by AI in political action and advertising.
On June 5th, the DeSantis campaign released a video that appeared to show Trump endorsing Anthony Fauci, the famous immunologist and former chief medical advisor during Trump’s presidency. This sparked a backlash. Due to differences of opinion over public health policy and pandemic response techniques, Fauci has become a divisive figure within Republican circles.
The video utilized real photographs of Trump and Fauci with what appeared to be AI-generated images of the two of them interacting amicably, including a scenario in which Trump appears to kiss Fauci. Since deep fakes can make it difficult to distinguish between real life and modified content, the usage of AI-generated photography prompted questions about the veracity and integrity of the content.
The episode is representative of a larger trend in which deep fakes produced by AI are used in political movements and campaigns. Deep fakes use sophisticated AI algorithms to produce realistic-looking but artificial audiovisual content that can be used to disseminate rumors or sway public opinion.
The rise of deep fakes in political contexts has raised ethical and legal questions regarding the potential for deception and the need for regulations to address this emerging issue.
AFP Fact Check, a department within the news agency Agence France-Presse, said the images had “the hallmarks of AI-generated imagery.”
AI in politics
It was discovered that Ron DeSantis was the target of AI-generated propaganda from the previous president Donald Trump’s campaign. Trump posted a video on Twitter after DeSantis declared his intention to run for president, mocking DeSantis’ declaration. The movie, which included the likenesses of DeSantis, Elon Musk, George Soros, Adolf Hitler, Satan, and Trump himself, used deepfake audio technology to construct a phony Twitter Space conversation.
This episode highlights the back-and-forth use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated media in political campaigns, with both sides using these strategies to disparage their opponents. Deepfakes and AI-generated content are being used in political discourse, which raises worries about the possibility of manipulation, misinformation, and a decline in media confidence.
It draws attention to the urgent need for greater knowledge and legislation to address the moral and societal ramifications of AI-generated political content.
Related: Ron DeSantis vows to ‘protect’ Bitcoin during presidential campaign launch