After an ISIS-led attack at a concert venue in Russia, the terrorist group’s supporters have started employing artificial intelligence (AI) to create realistic-looking news presenters for online broadcasts. These AI-generated figures claimed the assault was merely part of an ongoing conflict, rather than a terror operation. This innovation is part of a new AI-driven media initiative by ISIS sympathizers called News Harvest.
Rita Katz from SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors online activities of extremist groups, stated that News Harvest has been presenting video reports about ISIS operations globally since March. The broadcasts mimic Al Jazeera’s news format, complete with battle-dressed or formally robed AI newsreaders, scrolling news tickers, and footage of ISIS members executing missions.
Experts in media and terrorism have indicated that the AI’s rapid spread in crafting and distributing propaganda could accelerate the recruitment of new members. The debate now extends to whether or not the utilization of AI technology aligns with Islamic law. ISIS, known for its sophisticated media operations, now can produce Hollywood-grade recruitment videos at a fraction of the cost using AI.
Supporters of ISIS have expressed eagerness to embrace AI tools for propaganda. One supporter named “Al Kurdi 500” highlighted the importance of AI in producing video content similar to popular news channels. Another, under the pseudonym Hisad, swiftly created an AI-generated video post the deadly Moscow concert attack.
Since March, six News Harvest broadcasts have been distributed, offering updates on the ISIS’ affiliates’ doings, exemplifying the seamless integration of AI into their propaganda strategy. The exact AI technology used remains undisclosed, though some enthusiasts recommended using “good” AI software for voice cloning.
AI’s ease of use and accessibility means that even groups weakened by military interventions, such as ISIS or al-Qaeda, can continue to spread their messages with reduced resources. As the pro-ISIS media seeks individuals skilled in AI, other Islamist militant organizations, including al-Qaeda, are also discussing the incorporation of AI for their purposes, marking a significant shift in propaganda techniques.
The use of AI technology by ISIS for propaganda purposes introduces significant concerns and challenges on a global scale:
Key Questions and Answers:
– How effective is AI in creating believable propaganda? AI is highly effective in creating realistic-looking images and videos, including deepfakes, which can be almost indistinguishable from real footage, resulting in more powerful and believable propaganda.
– What are the consequences of ISIS using AI for propaganda? Such use can lead to widespread dissemination of misinformation, potentially inflaming tensions and inciting violence. It can also make the process of identifying and combating extremist content more difficult for authorities.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
– Combating Misinformation: As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, it becomes increasingly challenging to identify and counteract false information.
– Legal and Ethical Issues: The debate over the application of AI in accordance with Islamic law presents an ethical dilemma for ISIS and similar groups. There is also the broader question of regulating the use of AI to prevent its misuse by extremist organizations.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
– Advantages: For ISIS, AI technology offers a cost-effective medium to create high-quality propaganda. It allows for the production of content that can have a strong psychological impact and potentially evade detection more efficiently than traditional propaganda.
– Disadvantages: The misuse of AI for terrorism introduces disadvantages on a societal level, including the risk of mass deception, radicalization, and the erosion of trust in media. Furthermore, it could lead to an arms race in AI proficiency between extremist groups and counterterrorism forces.
For those seeking more information on AI technology and its implications, consider visiting trustworthy informational platforms and research organizations such as:
– AI Global – a platform dedicated to promoting responsible AI.
– United Nations – for information on global initiatives against the misuse of technology.
– RAND Corporation – an organization that conducts research on national security and terrorism, including the use of technology by terrorist groups.
It is crucial to continue monitoring and countering the misuse of AI technology while promoting ethical guidelines to ensure these powerful tools do not further the aims of extremist organizations like ISIS.
The source of the article is from the blog dk1250.com