Venezolana de Televisión Uses AI Anchors in Disinformation Campaign
Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), the Venezuelan state broadcaster, has been accused of using AI-generated avatars as news anchors to disseminate pro-government propaganda. This sophisticated disinformation campaign leverages advanced AI technology to create realistic news segments featuring fabricated anchors delivering misleading information. These segments have garnered significant attention on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, raising concerns about the ethical implications of AI in media manipulation.
AI Anchors: Noah and Daren
The AI anchors, named Noah and Daren, are generated using Synthesia, a software that creates lifelike avatars capable of speaking in various languages and accents. These avatars deliver scripted news reports promoting a positive view of the Venezuelan economy, contradicting reports of widespread economic hardship. For example, one segment claims high hotel occupancy during Carnival demonstrates a thriving economy, while another highlights alleged profits from a baseball tournament without acknowledging the government’s undisclosed spending on new stadiums.
Synthesia: The Technology Behind the Deception
Synthesia offers a platform where users can create videos with AI avatars by inputting scripts. While the company claims its technology is intended for commercial use and prohibits political content, its application in the Venezuelan disinformation campaign highlights the potential for misuse. The ease of access to such sophisticated AI tools raises serious questions about the future of media and the spread of misinformation. Synthesia uses “digital twins,” actors who are paid for the use of their likeness, to create the avatars.
Analyzing the Disinformation Campaign
Cazadores de Fake News, a Venezuelan fact-checking organization, identified the AI-generated anchors and exposed the disinformation campaign. They warn that the realistic nature of these videos makes them difficult for untrained viewers to distinguish from genuine news reports. This campaign represents an escalation in the Venezuelan government’s use of digital propaganda, moving beyond traditional bot networks and paid trolls to embrace AI-powered deception.
The Broader Context of Venezuelan Propaganda
The use of AI anchors is part of a wider strategy by the Venezuelan government to control the narrative and manipulate public opinion. This includes coordinated hashtag campaigns on Twitter, often promoted by paid users and bots, to amplify pro-government messages and drown out dissenting voices. ProBox Observatory, which monitors social media trends in Latin America, has documented millions of manipulated messages originating from automated accounts and coordinated networks. These efforts demonstrate a concerted attempt to shape public perception and counter negative coverage of the Venezuelan government.
The Future of Disinformation
The Venezuelan case highlights the growing threat of AI-powered disinformation. As AI technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated, the potential for creating highly convincing fake videos will increase. This poses significant challenges for news consumers and fact-checkers alike. The need for media literacy and critical thinking skills has never been greater. Experts warn that voice cloning is the next frontier in this evolving landscape of digital deception.