Putin Discusses with an AI Replica During Press Briefing

Russian President Vladimir Putin found himself in an unexpected situation during his recent end-of-year press conference. A Russian citizen, appearing as an AI deepfake version of Putin, posed probing questions about the president’s rumoured use of body doubles and the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). 

As Putin discusses with an AI replica in the unconventional exchange, he blends diplomatic finesse and a sharp grasp of the evolving landscape of technology-driven interactions.

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The Deepfake Inquiry

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Russian President Vladimir Putin was asked whether he has “a lot of doubles” by an AI version of himself during a marathon hours/long news conference. ℹ️: BBC News

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The unexpected deepfake citizen, claiming to be a student from Saint Petersburg, questioned Putin about persistent rumours regarding his use of body doubles. The student also delved into the broader issue of AI, asking about Putin’s perspective on the dangers AI and neural networks may bring into our lives.

This unexpected interaction highlighted the intersection of political intrigue and technological curiosity as Putin discusses with an AI replica on matters ranging from personal speculation to the broader implications of advanced technologies.

Caught off guard, Putin responded with a hint of amusement to the deepfake presence. “I see you may resemble me and speak with my voice,” he remarked. “But only one person must be like me and speak with my voice, and that will be me!” He added, “By the way, this is my first twin. My twin number one,” as per a translated version of the conference.

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Allegations and Denials

The Kremlin has consistently denied allegations of Putin using body doubles, both online and in person. However, various sources, including Ukrainian military intelligence, Western media, and independent Russian outlets, have supported claims of multiple Putin stand-ins who allegedly underwent plastic surgery and extensive training to mimic the president accurately. Japanese researchers recently endorsed these claims after an AI analysis suggested the existence of at least two Putin doubles.

Amid these speculations, Putin’s discussion with an AI replica fuels debates on the authenticity of his public appearances.

Putin’s Structured Press Conferences

Putin’s end-of-year press conferences, typically divided into sessions for citizen questions and media inquiries, have been tightly orchestrated. Last year’s events were cancelled due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but they resumed this year, though the selection process for citizens asking questions remains unclear. Putin’s discussion with an AI replica at this year’s conference is a fusion of traditional press conference dynamics with emerging technologies.

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AI and Global Cooperation

Aside from Putin’s discussion with an AI replica, he also addressed another AI-related question from an 8-year-old girl concerned about AI surpassing humanity. Putin acknowledged that AI development is inevitable and emphasised the need for global cooperation to establish regulations. Drawing a parallel to the historical weaponisation of nuclear energy, he stated, “When nuclear energy was weaponised as a nuclear bomb, everybody became aware that the threat was increasing and the damage would be insurmountable. They started coming to terms [With it], so the same will happen with AI.”

Global Call for AI Regulation

Interestingly, Pope Francis, critical of Putin’s actions in Ukraine, called for a binding global treaty to regulate AI and promote peace. Expressing concerns about AI in warfare and the potential for “Technological dictatorship”, the Pope urged nations to collaborate in adopting international regulations for AI development and use.

Pope Francis said, “I urge the global community of nations to work together in order to adopt a binding international treaty that regulates the development and use of artificial intelligence in its many forms.”

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Putin’s Stance on Ukraine

Meanwhile, Putin, addressing questions about the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, asserted that peace would only be achieved when Russia accomplishes its objectives. The marathon news conference, spanning over four hours, primarily focused on what Putin termed the “Special military operation in Ukraine”. Putin reassured the public about Russia’s strong economy during wartime and emphasised the indispensable nature of sovereignty for the country’s existence.

Broader Implications: AI and Geopolitics

The unexpected interaction where Putin discusses with an AI replica sheds light on the intricate intersection of politics, technology, and public perception. The broader implications extend beyond the individual incident. They emphasise the critical need for comprehensive global frameworks to regulate AI use and ensure ethical practices that mitigate potential risks. As the world navigates the future of AI, such incidents serve as crucial reminders of the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts on a global scale.