Former President Donald Trump’s efforts to garner support among Black voters have allegedly taken a concerning turn, as reported by BBC Panorama. According to their recent investigation, some of Donald Trump’s supporters have resorted to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fabricate images portraying Black individuals endorsing the former president.
Mark Kaye’s AI-Generated Trump Image
In a recent instance of AI-generated imagery making waves, conservative radio host Mark Kaye and his team of Donald Trump Supporters stirred controversy with an image depicting former President Donald Trump embracing a group of Black women. Kaye, who boasts over 1 million followers on social media platforms, including Facebook, shared this image that sparked both intrigue and scepticism among his audience.
Comments under the post revealed a spectrum of reactions, with some users mistakenly taking the AI-generated image as genuine. However, subtle imperfections inherent in AI-generated photos, such as missing fingers on hands, gave it away.
Earlier this year, AI-generated robocalls impersonating President Biden circulated among voters in New Hampshire, urging them to abstain from voting in the primary election. Such deceptive tactics raise alarms about the manipulation of public opinion through AI-driven narratives, posing challenges to the integrity of democratic processes.
Kaye Clarifies Role Amid Controversy
In response to criticism, Kaye clarified his intentions. He emphasised his role as a storyteller rather than a journalist who reports factual information. “I’m not claiming it is accurate. I’m not saying, ‘Hey, look, Donald Trump was at this party with all of these African American voters. Look how much they love him!” Kaye asserted. “If anybody’s voting one way or another because of one photo they see on a Facebook page, that’s a problem with that person, not with the post itself.”
Sadly, despite the mounting concerns surrounding AI’s influence on political discourse, there is little to no legislative effort to regulate its use in politics. The absence of comprehensive laws leaves a void in safeguarding against potential abuses of AI technology for political manipulation.
Also Read: How Presidential Candidates Are Using AI Inside Their 2024 Election Campaigns
The Impact of Deepfakes on Political Narratives
In another instance, a video surfaced showing former President Donald Trump seemingly posing with a group of young Black men on a doorstep. The account behind the deepfake allegedly belongs to a staunch Donald Trump supporter named Shaggy, residing in Michigan. The post garnered over 1.3 million views on social media platforms, according to X (Formerly Twitter).
While some users saw through the fake right away, others were swayed by its apparent authenticity. The dissemination of such manipulated content stresses the severity of the situation and the challenges faced in discerning truth from fiction in the digital age.
Mr. Trump’s campaign endeavours to bolster support among Black voters, whose significance in the 2020 elections was evident in President Joe Biden’s victory. However, recent polling data from The New York Times and Sienna College indicates a potential decline in Black voter support for Mr. Trump in key swing states. Only 71 percent of blacks have shown interest in being Donald Trump supporters in the upcoming 2024 elections, compared to the 92 percent nationally that contributed to his success four years ago.
Concerns Arise Over AI Chatbots Spreading Misinformation
Recent reports indicate that AI chatbots, including Meta’s Llama 2, have been used to disseminate false information to voters. Shockingly, one instance revealed the chatbot falsely claiming that California voters could cast their votes via text message.
In response to these findings, one of Donald Trump’s supporters, a spokesperson from the Trump campaign, vehemently denied any involvement. They asserted that Trump’s opponents are resorting to AI manipulation in election matters. The campaign emphasised its lack of control over such AI-generated content.
Furthermore, President Trump’s recent outreach to Black voters, particularly Black men, has garnered attention. He claims that his criminal indictments would resonate with Black voters, citing their understanding of discrimination. However, this opinion brought backlash from Black leaders and Democratic opponent Joe Biden.
Quick Link: OpenAI Unveils New Tools to Combat Misinformation Ahead of the 2024 US Presidential Elections
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has ventured into the sneaker market, showcasing his products at a Sneaker Con event. To appeal to diverse demographics, he has also fueled speculation about potential Black vice presidential picks, including Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).
Our Final Say
As political actors navigate the intricate landscape of voter demographics and digital media, the prevalence of deepfakes introduces a new dimension of uncertainty and manipulation. The challenge lies in mitigating the impact of deceptive narratives while safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes. And this isn’t an issue raised only by Donald Trump supporters.
The fake AI images recently created by Donald Trump supporters are only one example of the challenges that AI-generated deepfakes bring into the political landscape. Without robust regulatory frameworks, the proliferation of deepfake technology poses a formidable threat to the transparency and authenticity of political discourse.
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