AI-Generated Deepfake of Soeharto Used in Golkar Campaign

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Erwin Aksa, Golkar’s deputy chairman, posted an AI-generated deepfake of former President Soeharto urging Indonesians to vote for Golkar candidates. The video, mimicking Soeharto’s likeness and voice, drew public backlash over the ethical and legal implications of using synthetic media to influence electoral choices.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

The event involves AI systems generating deepfake videos that impersonate political figures with fabricated statements. This use of AI directly leads to harm by spreading misinformation that can influence public opinion and election outcomes, which constitutes harm to communities. The article explicitly states the videos are AI-generated and used in a political context, indicating realized harm rather than just potential. Hence, this qualifies as an AI Incident under the framework.[AI generated]
AI principles
Transparency & explainabilityDemocracy & human autonomyRespect of human rightsAccountabilitySafety
Industries
Media, social platforms, and marketingGovernment, security, and defence
Affected stakeholders
General public
Harm types
Public interestReputationalHuman or fundamental rights
Business function:
Marketing and advertisement
AI system task:
Content generation

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