The Age of Artificial Intelligence: Its Political Ramifications in Zimbabwe.

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Image: Johnny Brown

 As we bear witness to the remarkable advancements of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is imperative that we recognize the shadow side of this technological progress. Although AI technology has been in practice for decades, the general public is now becoming more cognizant of its tremendous potential, as well as its potential pitfalls.

In recent weeks, we have witnessed firsthand how AI can become a double-edged sword capable of both advancing and undermining democracies. It is unnerving to observe the widespread dissemination of fabricated images and deep fake videos, such as those portraying former President Donald Trump being arrested and Zimbabwean opposition leader Nelson Chamisa addressing the United Nations. As AI's power continues to expand, we run the risk of succumbing to a world where discerning truth from fiction becomes impossible.

Image: @detectfakenews (Donald Trump being arrested-fake)

Even tech luminary Elon Musk has voiced concerns about AI's potential for causing harm and called for a halt in its development until regulatory mechanisms are established. The absence of appropriate regulatory oversight could allow unethical individuals to leverage AI for personal and even political gain, by sowing doubt and confusion in the public sphere. The impact of AI use could be immense and perilous.

These issues came to a head in Zimbabwe, where an Al Jazeera documentary revealed corruption within government officials and financial institutions in South Africa and Dubai. Notably, Zimbabwe's Ambassador at Large, Prophet Uebert Angel, was caught on camera boasting about his ability to smuggle a grown man in his suitcase from Europe to Africa. He was also recorded secretly facilitating gold smuggling and money laundering. However, despite the compelling evidence, he still denies any wrongdoing.

Upon the documentary's release, Angel attempted to undermine its authenticity by claiming that his voice had been cloned. This strategy of discrediting facts as fake or cloned not only poses a danger to society but also risks eroding the credibility of journalism and the media. Before long, any public figure or politician caught in the act may resort to the "deep fake!" defense as a means of deflecting blame.

We all know that a free and credible media, or fourth estate, is vital for a flourishing democracy. Yet, democracy cannot flourish if media is undermined and the public loses faith in it. While it is true that AI has been producing fake material, is it the case with Angel? Is he exploiting AI's shortcomings and buzz to safeguard his reputation? Unfortunately, some individuals are already jumping on the AI scapegoat bandwagon. They have already altered the narrative, using these accusations to disseminate disinformation. Disinformation is now running rampant on the internet, with Angel's steadfast supporters validating voice cloning claims against Al Jazeera.

Unaware of the ramifications, those who are promoting voice cloning allegations are aiding the politically exposed and corrupt individuals in evading accountability! 

As the country heads into elections, it is evident that AI-generated misinformation and disinformation will be a powerful tool in the arsenal of various political parties to manipulate the electorate. Already there is deep fake video of Oppositon leader Nelson Chamisa insulting the UN General Assembly

We must acknowledge AI's potential for both good and bad, and work to ensure that it is developed and used ethically and responsibly, with appropriate regulatory oversight. As we continue to navigate this rapidly changing technological landscape, let us remain vigilant in our pursuit of a more just and accountable political society.

Fake image of Former President of USA in Brazil

Fake image of Catholic Pope smoking.


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