Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Bougainville President Condemns AI-generated Altercation Video With PNG Prime Minister
Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael Toroama has condemned the circulation of an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video depicting a physical confrontation between him and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
The clip, first shared on Facebook last week, is generated from a picture (above) of Toroama and Marape taken at a news conference in September 2024, where the two leaders announced the appointment of former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae as the independent moderator for the Bougainville peace talks.
It shows Toroama punching Marape from a sitting position as both fall down. The post has amassed almost 190,000 views on Facebook and over 360 comments.
In a statement on Monday, Toroama said such content could have a negative impact on Bougainville's efforts toward independence.
He said the "reckless misuse of artificial intelligence and social media platforms has the potential to damage the hard-earned trust and mutual respect" between the two nations.
"This video is not only false and malicious - it is dangerous," the ABG leader said.
"It threatens to undermine the ongoing spirit of dialogue, peace, and cooperation that both our governments have worked tirelessly to build."
Toroama wants the National Information & Communications Technology Authority of PNG to find the source of the video.
He said that while freedom of expression was a democratic value, it was also a privilege that carries responsibilities.
He said freedom of expression should not be twisted through misinformation.
"These freedoms must be exercised with respect for the truth. Misusing AI tools to spread falsehoods not only discredits individuals but can destabilise entire communities."
He has urged the content creators to reflect on the ethical implications of their digital actions.
Toroama also called on social media platforms and regulatory bodies to play a bigger role in stopping the spread of misleading AI-generated content.
"As we move further into the digital age, we must develop a collective moral compass to guide the use of powerful technologies like artificial intelligence," he said.
"Truth must remain the foundation of all communication, both online and offline."
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