PingPelican
Well-known member
Deepfakes are being increasingly used by Republicans as a tool for attacking Democrats, and the latest example is a disturbing new attack ad featuring an artificially generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The ad, posted on social media by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, depicts Schumer repeating a phrase in reference to the ongoing government shutdown - "every day gets better for us." However, this quote itself is real and has been reported by Punchbowl News. In an interview, Schumer explained that Democrats had prepared their healthcare-focused shutdown strategy well in advance, claiming that Republicans were trying to threaten them.
So why did the NRSC choose to manufacture synthetic video of Schumer speaking? Rather than simply quoting his words, the ad uses a deepfake AI-generated version of Schumer's face and voice to make him say something completely different. The resulting ad is creepy and disorienting, with the narrator claiming that Schumer thinks playing with Americans' livelihoods is just a game.
The NRSC has defended its use of deepfakes, saying that "AI is here and not going anywhere" and advising opponents to "adapt & win or pearl clutch & lose." However, critics are warning that this kind of tactic can erode trust in democratic institutions and undermine the integrity of public discourse.
This latest example of a deepfake attack ad comes weeks after former President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video of Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries making false statements about immigration and voter fraud. In 2023, the Republican National Committee also released an AI-generated attack ad that imagined an apocalyptic future should Biden win a second term.
As the use of deepfakes becomes more widespread in politics, concerns are growing about their potential to manipulate public opinion and spread misinformation. With deepfakes becoming increasingly sophisticated, it's essential for politicians, media outlets, and citizens alike to be aware of these tactics and take steps to verify the accuracy of information.
The ad, posted on social media by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, depicts Schumer repeating a phrase in reference to the ongoing government shutdown - "every day gets better for us." However, this quote itself is real and has been reported by Punchbowl News. In an interview, Schumer explained that Democrats had prepared their healthcare-focused shutdown strategy well in advance, claiming that Republicans were trying to threaten them.
So why did the NRSC choose to manufacture synthetic video of Schumer speaking? Rather than simply quoting his words, the ad uses a deepfake AI-generated version of Schumer's face and voice to make him say something completely different. The resulting ad is creepy and disorienting, with the narrator claiming that Schumer thinks playing with Americans' livelihoods is just a game.
The NRSC has defended its use of deepfakes, saying that "AI is here and not going anywhere" and advising opponents to "adapt & win or pearl clutch & lose." However, critics are warning that this kind of tactic can erode trust in democratic institutions and undermine the integrity of public discourse.
This latest example of a deepfake attack ad comes weeks after former President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video of Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries making false statements about immigration and voter fraud. In 2023, the Republican National Committee also released an AI-generated attack ad that imagined an apocalyptic future should Biden win a second term.
As the use of deepfakes becomes more widespread in politics, concerns are growing about their potential to manipulate public opinion and spread misinformation. With deepfakes becoming increasingly sophisticated, it's essential for politicians, media outlets, and citizens alike to be aware of these tactics and take steps to verify the accuracy of information.
where they manipulate people's words and faces to spread hate? idk about the NRSC but using AI-generated deepfakes to attack ppl is low. it's like they're trying to create a fake alternate reality where Schumer says all these messed up things. and what's with the "every day gets better for us" quote being real though lol. anyway, gotta give props to Schumer for staying chill about this whole thing 
and I'm glad there are ppl warning about the dangers of deepfakes. we need to be more careful about what we consume online 'cause it can be super misleading 
, can't we just have a normal debate without trying to manipulate people with fake videos?! 
i mean come on Republicans, if you want to make a point, be honest and direct, don't try to trick ppl's minds... it's just so disingenuous 
, and Schumer is getting roasted for saying something he actually said 
, meanwhile the NRSC is like "oh it's not a big deal" 
but trust me it IS a big deal 
it's not about winning or losing, it's about respecting ppl's intelligence and the truth... can we please just focus on having real conversations instead of fake ones? 
. The fact that Republicans are leveraging AI-generated videos to manipulate public opinion is a worrying trend, especially when it comes to undermining trust in institutions like the Senate 
. The NRSC's defense of deepfakes as an inevitable aspect of modern politics rings hollow, and I worry that this kind of tactic will erode the integrity of our public discourse 
. It's crucial for all stakeholders to be aware of these tactics and take steps to verify the accuracy of information 
.
that's just low... Schumer's words are real, and it's not cool that the NRSC decided to mess with them. And what's next? gonna start putting these deepfakes in news clips or something? 
- like who uses AI generated fake videos in ads now? its like something out of a movie 
- but seriously though, deepfakes are not just a prank anymore, they're being used for real political gain and thats a problem 
like what is wrong with them?! can't they just leave Chuck Schumer alone? and btw, it's not cool that they're using AI-generated videos to make Schumer say stuff he never said 
the fact that nrsc is using this tactic as a way to "adapt & win" is like they think people are stupid 