Oh, no. A Democratic lawyer wrote a HuffPost piece recommending AI deepfakes of Biden with "aesthetic enhancements"

[highplainsdem]

With it crucial that Biden reassure people that he's able to handle the responsibilities and stress of the presidency, the last thing we needed was this guy recommending deepfakes.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-joe-biden-campaign-ai_n_668482b9e4b038babc7d56f2

Joe Biden is old and has had a lifelong stutter. He acknowledged in a fiery rally following his debate performance: “I might not walk as easily or talk as smoothly as I used to.” This has impeded his ability to communicate with mass audiences with consistent success. AI augmentations and video renderings could serve to smooth out these bumps while allowing the Biden campaign to effectively disseminate true information about the state of our democracy and the Biden administration’s accomplishments. The president has limited time to campaign as he also focuses on running the country, and AI would be a cost-effective and efficient way to communicate his message personally and directly to voters.

Despite an ambitious and widely praised first term in office, he is currently trailing in polls to a man who incited an insurrection and was recently convicted on 34 felony counts. Something needs to change, and much to the chagrin of West Wing fanatics in the beltway, it won’t be the Democrats’ 2024 nominee. Modern technology offers a clear solution. AI can be used to polish how the president comes across, allowing voters to focus on his substance. How many times have we heard voters and pundits alike gripe that “Biden would be the perfect candidate if he were just 10 years younger?” With modern technology, this exact deliverable is possible.

-snip-


AI-generated content can be tailored to highlight President Biden’s accomplishments, clearly articulate his policies, and present a consistent, compelling message. In an era where visual mediums and quick, digestible content dominate public perceptions, AI offers an opportunity for more effective communication. These AI-enhanced videos could ensure that the public does not make decisions about the future of our democracy based on an inconveniently timed cough, stray stutter, or healthy but hobbled walk (Biden suffers from a ‘stiff gait’).

-snip-

Biden’s campaign could instead set the standard and norms for what should be reasonable use of AI tools in the campaign arena. For example, disclaimers could be included on AI-generated content. This transparency could help maintain trust while leveraging AI’s benefits. Properly adapting to modern technology would also show that the campaign is agile and keeping pace with the times, contrasting with criticism of Biden over his age.

-snip-

Rightwingers on Twitter are already pouncing on this and are likely to quote it to create doubt about any videos that make Biden appear much better than he did during the debate.

I'd never heard of Shroff before. He mentions in a number of places online that he worked for Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016, but I haven't read anything to indicate she even knows who he is.

I'm assuming he meant well. But when what Biden needs are more appearances with live video, AI deepfakes are the last thing the campaign needs, and Shroff recommending them does not help.

[rzemanfl]

1. What makes you think this lawyer is legit?

EDIT He is legit, an Ivy League type. His idea is really fucking dumb.

[highplainsdem]

2. His credentials are fine. He's done previous opinion pieces for HuffPo. But as you said, this was a dumb idea.

[Celerity]

3. Extraordinarily bad idea. nt

[PatSeg]

4. I agree, a horrible idea

Once politicians start doing stuff like that, no one will ever trust them again. That is one genie that won't go back in the bottle.

This seems to be a week of really terrible ideas and opinions.