Macron's Deepfake Promotion of AI Summit Sparks Debate on Ethical Use of AI Technology

French President Emmanuel Macron's use of deepfake videos to promote the Paris AI Summit has ignited discussions on the ethical implications of AI technology, while world leaders gather to address AI's societal impact.

Macron's Controversial Deepfake Promotion

French President Emmanuel Macron has stirred controversy by using deepfake videos to promote the Paris AI Summit, a global gathering of world leaders, tech executives, and academics. The summit aims to examine artificial intelligence's impact on society, governance, and the environment 1. Macron's Instagram post featured a montage of deepfake images, including a video of 'him' dancing in a disco with various 1980s hairstyles, showcasing AI technology's capabilities 2.

Experts Warn of Normalizing Deepfakes

While Macron's intention may have been to draw attention to the AI Summit, experts have raised concerns about the potential consequences of normalizing deepfake technology:

• Paul McKay, VP at Forrester, cautioned against encouraging the use of deepfakes, as it blurs the line between fact and fiction 1.
• Dr. Richard Little from Salford Business School warned of the risks associated with wider adoption of deepfakes on social media and by scammers 1.
• Prof Philip Howard noted that such videos are often released when guidelines on public communication are unclear 1.

Macron's Stance on AI Regulation

The French President's use of deepfakes for promotion appears to contradict his previous statements on AI regulation:

• In October, Macron told Variety that deepfakes "can disinform, which can upset our democracies" 1.
• He advocated for regulation by imposing responsibility on those who disseminate such content to moderate it 1.

AI Summit Highlights and Controversies

The Paris AI Summit has brought to light several key issues and initiatives:

• The EU's newly implemented AI Act has faced criticism at the Summit for potentially stifling innovation 1.
• The EU unveiled plans for a Europe-wide, open-source AI model with a budget of €37.4m (£31.1m) 1.
• A global declaration of shared AI goals and ethical responsibilities is expected to be revealed at the conclusion of the Summit 1.
• The impact of AI on the environment and inequality has been a focal point in the opening exchanges 2.

International Participation and Hesitation

The Summit has garnered significant international attention, but some nations remain cautious:

• Both the US and the UK have declined to confirm whether they will sign the global declaration on AI 1.

As the Summit progresses, it remains to be seen how world leaders will address the complex challenges posed by AI technology, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and societal impact.