Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced significant apprehension regarding the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the escalating menace posed by AI-generated deepfake videos. In a recent interview with Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business, Trump underscored the urgent need for action in the face of this rapidly evolving technology, warning of unprecedented risks and security challenges.
In his candid interview, Donald Trump didn’t mince words when he referred to AI as “possibly the most hazardous thing out there.” He stressed the severity of the situation, pointing to the lack of a viable resolution to address the looming threats. Trump’s concerns center on the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, which has witnessed exponential growth since its public introduction.
One of the alarming consequences of AI’s rapid advancement is the proliferation of deepfake videos. These deceptive manipulations, created by AI algorithms, can convincingly mimic individuals, including political figures. Trump himself fell victim to a deepfake incident, recounting how he was duped into delivering a speech endorsing a product he could not distinguish from its competitors.
Incitement of conflict and misinformation
Trump’s unease regarding AI and deepfakes extends to their potential use in inciting conflict. He called for immediate action to address this matter but emphasized the complexity of detecting deepfakes, even for experts. This sentiment echoes the concerns of the United Nations and its Secretary-General, who have urged stakeholders to take urgent action to ensure responsible and ethical AI use, especially in countering misinformation, hate speech, and security threats.
Gary Gensler, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, shares Trump’s apprehension. He believes that while current laws are solid, the emergence of AI-powered deepfakes challenges them. Gensler stressed that using AI to create deepfakes poses a substantial risk to financial markets and declared, “Fraud is fraud.”
OpenAI’s commitment to combat misinformation
Recognizing the critical importance of addressing misinformation in today’s digital landscape, OpenAI recently outlined its strategy for utilizing ChatGPT to combat falsehoods in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. OpenAI emphasized its commitment to platform safety, transparency, and disseminating accurate voting information.
In his interview, Trump clarified that the issue demands immediate attention. He remarked on the ability of AI to rearrange elements in a way that renders even experts unable to distinguish between real and manipulated content. This alarming aspect poses a severe security challenge and underscores the need for swift, effective measures.
The international community’s response
The concerns expressed by Trump and Gensler resonate with international bodies like the United Nations, which have been closely monitoring the rapid developments in AI technology. The United Nations report underscores the importance of responsible, secure, and ethical AI use, especially given its potential for creating and disseminating misinformation.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about the threats posed by artificial intelligence and deepfake videos have underscored the urgency of addressing this issue. His concerns about the potential for AI to incite conflict and the challenges in detecting deepfakes have drawn attention to the need for immediate action.
Gary Gensler’s warnings about the impact of deepfakes on financial markets further highlight the dangers associated with this technology. OpenAI has taken steps to combat misinformation in preparation for the upcoming 2024 elections.
As the world grapples with the evolving landscape of AI and deepfakes, the global community is urged to work together to find effective solutions to mitigate these risks and ensure responsible and ethical AI use in various domains. The gravity of this issue is clear, and the call for action is resounding.
