AI and Politics: The Rise of Deepfakes in Campaigns

Ron DeSantis and the AI Controversy

In a twist that could give any conspiracy theorist a run for their money, Florida Governor and Bitcoin defender, Ron DeSantis, has come under fire for allegedly using AI-generated images in his political ad campaign. A recent video tweet from DeSantis’ campaign attempted to depict former President Donald Trump in a cozy relationship with Anthony Fauci. Yes, the same Fauci that some in the GOP love to hate!

What Happened?

On June 5, 2023, a video was posted, complete with a collage of actual images mixed in with some rather questionable AI-generated photos. These digital delights featured the two political figures embracing each other in ways that would make any rom-com jealous, including an oddly affectionate shot of Trump appearing to kiss Fauci. Not exactly the kind of image you’d want to campaign on!

Twitter Steps In

In response to the flurry of outrage (and perhaps suspicion), Twitter’s Community Notes slapped a disclaimer on DeSantis’ tweet. They chimed in by noting that it contained “AI-generated images,” leaving little doubt about the authenticity—or lack thereof—of the visual content involved.

The AI Arms Race in Politics

Let’s not kid ourselves, politics has turned into an AI battleground. Others, including Trump’s campaign, have also dabbled in deepfakes to tarnish rivals’ reputations. Trump’s mocking response to DeSantis’ Twitter Space announcement included a mashup of deepfaked audio, pulling in an ensemble cast that ranged from Elon Musk to Satan. Talk about a star-studded affair!

Global Influence and AI Manipulation

It’s not just an American affair—political AI propaganda is flourishing worldwide. For instance, New Zealand’s National Party employed AI-generated images to blast the ruling Labour Party, showcasing a bizarre mix of Polynesian hospital workers and questionable nighttime shenanigans. If anything, it’s clear that AI is quickly becoming a go-to tool for political strategies everywhere.

The Bigger Picture

As deepfakes and AI-generated content proliferate, the need for a critical eye becomes paramount. Whether you’re a Bitcoin enthusiast or just a political junkie, it’s essential to discern fact from fiction in this new world where anyone can edit reality to fit their narrative. Because if a picture is worth a thousand words, how many AI-generated images does it take to create a political scandal?