Bengaluru, India – In a public appearance on January 23, the esteemed figure in Indian cinema and politics, M Karunanidhi, showcased his support for his 82-year-old friend and fellow politician TR Baalu during the launch of his personal book. Karunanidhi, known for his distinctive style with dark glasses, white shirt, and colorful shawl draped over his arms, took the stage to commend the author’s latest publication.
During his eloquent eight-minute speech, the seasoned poet-turned-politician not only praised the publisher of the book but also showered accolades on his son and current state leader, MK Stalin. Karunanidhi, who sadly passed away in 2018, was brought back to life using artificial intelligence (AI) for public appearances, marking the third such instance in the past six months.
In his address, Karunanidhi acknowledged the efforts of the Chief Minister in responding to the challenges posed by the global COVID crisis, emphasizing the collective battle for preserving lives. The AI-generated video of Karunanidhi was engineered by Senthil Nayagam, the founder of Muonium, an AI media technology company, who highlighted the emerging market for such deepfake technologies.
The utilization of AI to resurrect historical figures like Karunanidhi for contemporary political purposes has raised ethical and legal concerns. Amber Sinha, a senior researcher at the Mozilla Foundation, emphasized the ethical implications of attributing ideas to deceased individuals through AI-generated content.
The practice of leveraging AI for political campaigns has gained traction in India, with the potential market for AI-driven content estimated at $60 million. Nayagam, the creator of AI Karunanidhi, hinted at the interest from various political factions in deploying AI for similar deepfake applications, following the positive reception of the AI-generated videos.
The resurgence of past political leaders through AI has sparked debates on the impact of synthetic media on public opinion and electoral outcomes. While the use of AI in campaigns is gaining momentum in South Asia, concerns regarding misinformation and disinformation persist.
As AI technologies continue to evolve, the influence of AI-generated content on voter attitudes remains a subject of scrutiny. Despite the potential reach and emotional appeal of such content, experts caution against the proliferation of misinformation and emphasize the need for ethical considerations in utilizing AI for political communication.
In the evolving landscape of AI-driven political campaigns, the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility remains a critical concern for policymakers and practitioners alike.
