Samia cautions on AI manipulation during polls
DODOMA: AHEAD of this year’s general election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has warned members of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) about the potential misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, particularly deepfakes, to spread misinformation.
Deepfake technology involves AI-generated, highly realistic but fabricated images, videos, or audio that manipulate existing media or create entirely new content.
Speaking as the party’s national chairperson, President Samia reassured members that relevant agencies are already devising strategies to address potential challenges posed by this technology during the upcoming general election.
“It’s important for us, as party members, to understand these risks so that even if they occur, we remain focused,” Dr Samia stated on Sunday evening during the official closing of CCM’s Extraordinary General Meeting in Dodoma.
She noted that advancements in technology have introduced tools like AI, which can mimic voices and create fake audio clips of public figures, thereby raising the stakes for misinformation.
“As we approach the general election, this technology may be used positively or misused to spread seditious information,” the President cautioned.
The use of AI to generate fake voices poses significant risks, particularly when it comes to spreading false news.
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Fabricated audio clips of government officials or leaders making inflammatory statements can erode public trust and create unnecessary tension. As deepfake voice technology becomes more sophisticated, distinguishing between real and fake content will require advanced forensic tools.
The delay in debunking such content can allow fake news to spread widely, fuelling mistrust and division among communities. During the session, President Samia also emphasised the importance of party unity as a critical factor for winning the next general election. She praised members and the secretariat for successfully organising the meeting despite their busy schedules.
She urged members to communicate effectively with grassroots citizens, highlighting the party’s achievements over the past four years. Dr Samia also underscored the need for ethical leadership among CCM leaders nationwide.
“This is a major political party, and its leaders must exhibit high levels of integrity in their respective areas. Let us set good examples for others by openly condemning injustice. We should not be complicit in injustice or in sabotaging progress in our country,” she stated.
She further advised against misusing freedom of speech, especially given the abundance of media platforms available for communication.
“We must ensure our statements are clear and not open to misinterpretation. Sometimes a statement can be taken out of context and convey an unintended meaning to the public,” she said.
