Deepfake News: Former President Donald Trump Raises Concerns About Artificial Intelligence
In a forthcoming interview with Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his fears about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). Trump labeled AI as “maybe the most dangerous thing out there” and emphasized that there is no real solution to its risks.
Trump’s comments come as AI, particularly generative AI, has become widely popular and disruptive. An unfortunate consequence of the proliferation of AI technology is the rise of AI-generated deepfakes, including those featuring Trump himself and his political rival, President Joe Biden. Deepfakes of other high-profile figures like Pope Francis, Tom Hanks, and Taylor Swift have also flooded the internet.
Speaking about these deepfakes, Trump revealed his disbelief at how realistic they have become. He recounted a recent incident where someone impersonated him in a speech endorsing a product, emphasizing that it was nearly impossible to differentiate between the real and the fake. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology, including the possibility of deepfakes being used to start wars.
Trump called for swift action to address the issue of AI and AI-generated deepfakes, highlighting the urgent need for solutions. He echoed sentiments expressed by the United Nations (UN) and its Secretary-General, who last summer called for measures to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI to combat the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
The former president emphasized the immediate importance of tackling the problem, emphasizing how easily AI-generated content can manipulate interviews and endanger security. Even Gary Gensler, chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, highlighted the risks deepfakes pose to global markets and the challenges they pose to existing laws.
In response to these concerns, OpenAI recently announced its commitment to fighting misinformation leading up to the 2024 elections. The organization outlined plans to enhance platform safety, promote accurate voting information, and improve transparency in combating AI-generated fake content.
The discussion sparked by Trump’s remarks highlights the growing need for proactive measures to address the risks associated with AI technology, particularly in the domain of deepfakes. As the technology continues to advance, finding effective solutions and regulations becomes paramount to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI.