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| How artificial intelligence threaten in our lives / AI |
In today's tech-driven world, a new threat has emerged that could undermine our trust in information: the misuse of Generative AI to create and spread false news.
Recent reports, including one from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), highlight how this powerful technology is being misused as a tool to deceive the public.
Currently, we see that information manipulators are boldly using AI to mimic the voices and appearances of well-known journalists, even creating fake radio or video ads featuring logos of respected media outlets like Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24.
We have already witnessed alarming examples in French-speaking African countries, where AI-generated content about politicians or significant events has been circulated, leading to chaos and distrust.
Top Ten Major Dangers:
Erosion of Trust: The primary impact of this issue is the weakening of public trust in legitimate media. If everything can be faked, what can be trusted? This situation paves the way for an "endless age of doubt," where truth and falsehood become intertwined.
Low Cost of Lies: In the past, creating false news required certain resources and skills. But now, with the use of AI, anyone can produce fake content cheaply and distribute it at an astonishing speed, thus broadening the reach of deceivers.
Speed of Distribution: Social media platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, while essential for communication, are used as catalysts for the rapid spread of this fake content. Despite the technical flaws of such content (like robotic voices), it can still be disseminated and trusted by millions.
The Lack of Regulations: So far, there are no solid technical systems or strict laws that can prevent or address the misuse of AI. This situation allows criminals to continue their actions without fear.
Identifying the Source: Another issue is the difficulty in pinpointing the true origin of online content. Is it genuinely from the author, generated by AI, or is its origin unknown? This lack of transparency makes it easier for deepfake attacks to thrive.
This situation requires urgent and collective action from all stakeholders. Vincent Berthier, the Head of the Technology and Journalism Desk at RSF, emphasizes that:
"Digital platforms (like Google, Meta, TikTok, etc.) have a significant responsibility to combat this threat. They should invest in technologies to identify and verify content, and clarify the origins of the content being shared."
Media outlets should continue to invest in content verification technologies (like what Agence France-Presse (AFP) is doing) so that the public can trust the authenticity of the news they provide.
Governments and lawmakers need to create laws and regulations that will address the misuse of AI in producing misleading information.
We, the Users, also have an important role to play. We must be cautious and investigate the sources of information before believing or sharing anything online. Don’t accept everything you see or hear.
What Does It Mean for Us?
Tanzania, as part of the global community and with a significant presence on social media, is also at risk from this threat. We are already witnessing some misinformation campaigns using various technologies. It is crucial for us to educate each other, maintain positive skepticism, and continue to trust reputable media outlets for accurate information.
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize development, but without regulation and accountability, it could pose a serious threat to press freedom and the well-being of our communities. It is time to take action before the danger reaches us.