Generative AI, hailed for its potential in diverse fields, now faces a darker side as it becomes a weapon for extremist propaganda. In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israeli government is utilizing generative AI to disseminate misleading information, while Hamas supporters globally employ emotionally charged content to sway public opinion. The implications of this technological misuse unfold in a complex narrative where truth becomes elusive.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, unfolding since October 7, has seen limited and mostly unconvincing instances of fake content related to the war. Despite this, the mere presence of these fake materials, fueled by A.I. tools and deepfakes, has instilled doubt among the public regarding the authenticity of genuine evidence. Disinformation watchdogs predicted that A.I. technology, including realistic renderings, would play a significant role in shaping the narrative of the conflict.
While the number of convincing A.I. fakes remains relatively low, the psychological impact is undeniable—people are becoming increasingly skeptical of authentic images, videos, and audio, contributing to a landscape where truth becomes a casualty of technological uncertainty.
In the war of words, Israel grasps for control
Israel, often seen as a tech-savvy nation, is leveraging generative AI to manipulate the narrative surrounding the conflict in Gaza. The Israeli government, under its hard-right leadership, grapples with a credibility crisis as it not only resorts to misinformation and disinformation campaigns but also seeks to suppress news about the extreme humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza. The use of generative AI amplifies the impact of fake stories, creating a web of deceit that stretches even to international platforms.
The Israeli government’s history of spreading false information is not new. In a disturbing turn of events, a fabricated story emerged, claiming Hamas was beheading babies—a narrative that reached the White House. This false account originated from an i24 reporter quoting an Israeli soldier, only to be later echoed by the Israeli prime minister’s spokesperson. The lack of evidence forced an embarrassed White House to retract the statement, highlighting the dangers of unchecked misinformation.
Complicating matters further, Israel consistently challenges the death toll reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health, casting doubt without providing evidence. Human Rights Watch supports the Gaza Ministry’s data, emphasizing transparency through the publication of detailed information about the deceased. Yet, the Israeli government’s denial of visas to international journalists impedes the verification process, leaving local Palestinian reporters to navigate a challenging environment.
The Israeli government, determined to control the narrative, took drastic measures against those questioning its version of events. When UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commented on the October 7 attacks by Hamas, Israel responded with outrage, imposing a visa ban on UN staff. This move not only stifles independent scrutiny but also reinforces Israel’s grip on the messaging surrounding the conflict. The war on Gaza becomes a classroom of sorts, offering lessons on the power struggle for narrative dominance.
Hamas’ emotional warfare – Generative AI amplifies emotional content
On the flip side of the conflict, Hamas supporters worldwide employ generative AI to intensify emotional content, targeting the hearts and minds of global audiences. The visual representation of children as angels, flying to the heavens, serves as a potent tool in garnering sympathy and support. This emotional warfare transcends borders, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with individuals across the globe.
The use of generative AI in crafting emotionally charged content reflects a strategic move by Hamas supporters to sway public opinion. Images of children transformed into angels evoke universal empathy, against Israel’s war crimes. As generative AI evolves, so does its potential impact on shaping public sentiment during times of conflict.
Navigating the generative AI minefield
As generative AI becomes a battleground for information warfare, the Israel-Hamas conflict exemplifies the potential dangers of its misuse. Israel’s deceptive tactics, under a far-righted government, and Hamas’ emotional warfare underscore the need for vigilance in navigating the complex landscape of information dissemination. In a world where technology can shape narratives, the question remains: How can societies safeguard the truth amidst the escalating use of generative AI in conflicts?
