By DMK Uses AI Video of Deceased Leader at Youth Conference, Raising Ethical Concerns
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party unveiled an AI-generated video of their late leader, M. Karunanidhi, at their second annual youth wing conference, sparking debate over the ethics of using such technology in political campaigns.
A Tool for Enthusiasm or Misinformation?
The video, created by the party’s digital media wing, featured Karunanidhi delivering a speech urging young people to fight for state rights and a democratic future. While DMK spokesperson Dharanidharan Selvam claims the video successfully energized party cadres, political commentator Sumanth Raman suggests it may be a sign of lacking charismatic leaders in the current generation.
Ethical Concerns and Legal Uncertainties
Experts raise concerns about the ethical implications of resurrecting deceased leaders. Devika Malik, a tech policy consultant, emphasizes the need for consent, even in the absence of legal regulations regarding the rights of deceased individuals. Additionally, the potential for manipulating the content of AI-generated messages further complicates the issue.
A Growing Trend with Uncertain Impact
This isn’t the first instance of AI use in Indian politics. Deepfake videos were employed in the 2020 elections, and AI voice clones are increasingly used for personalized campaign messages. While Mogra of Jarvis Consulting predicts waning novelty and potential for misinformation, Malik suggests personalized appeals could sway voters.
The Future of Synthetic Media in Politics
Whether AI has a significant impact on voter attitudes remains unclear. As research continues, policymakers and practitioners face the challenge of balancing innovation with ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible use of synthetic media in political campaigns.
