As Moldova prepares for an EU referendum and presidential election in October, it faces a relentless onslaught of disinformation, cyberattacks, and political corruption linked to the Kremlin.
In a bizarre incident at the end of 2023, President Maia Sandu, known for her pro-Western stance, was falsely depicted as banning a popular berry-infused tea in a video spread across social media platforms. The video, later revealed as a deepfake, falsely portrayed Sandu as mocking the country’s poor while purportedly banning the picking of rose hips to protect the environment.
The false narrative struck a chord in Moldova, where memories of Soviet-era hardships are still vivid. However, the video was a fabrication created by AI tools controlled by political adversaries with ties to Russia.
“This incident is part of Russia’s hybrid warfare against Moldova,” said Stanislav Secrieru, Sandu’s national security adviser.
Moldova, with its upcoming elections and strategic location bordering Ukraine, has become a battleground for disinformation campaigns, with concerns that ongoing interference from Moscow could escalate into a direct invasion.
The October elections, including a referendum on EU membership, are crucial for Moldova’s future alignment. Sandu, seeking reelection, advocates for closer ties with the EU, which already represents the country’s largest economic partner.
However, the Kremlin and its allies are actively opposing Moldova’s pro-Western agenda. Russian soldiers are present in Transnistria, while pro-Moscow politicians in Gagauzia seek Putin’s support.
Furthermore, pro-Kremlin parties, backed by figures like Ilan Shor, engage in election manipulation and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.
Efforts to combat disinformation are hindered by the emergence of AI-powered bots spreading false narratives on social media platforms like Facebook. These bots amplify pro-Russian messages, undermining Sandu’s government and promoting Kremlin-aligned candidates.
Despite these challenges, Moldova is determined to defend its democratic institutions. Ana Revenco, heading the newly-formed Center for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation, acknowledges the complexity of the task but emphasizes the importance of countering Kremlin’s aggression.
As Moldova braces for intensified interference in the upcoming elections, the battle against disinformation and cyber threats remains a top priority, with the hope of safeguarding the country’s democratic future.
Source: politico.eu
 
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Ana Schultz, a 25-year-old from Rock Falls, Illinois, finds solace in seeking cooking advice from her late husband Kyle, who passed away in February 2023.
Using Snapchat’s My AI feature, Schultz engages with an artificial intelligence chatbot powered by ChatGPT, tailored to resemble Kyle. She inputs the ingredients available in her fridge and receives culinary suggestions, a practice she describes as a means to feel Kyle’s presence in the kitchen.
While Snapchat My AI typically offers recommendations and engages in conversations with users, Schultz is among those utilizing this technology to recreate the likeness of and communicate with deceased loved ones.
This phenomenon isn’t entirely new, as people have long sought ways to reconnect with departed family members through mediums, spiritualists, or memory preservation services. However, the advent of AI introduces the possibility of simulating conversations and actions beyond what was possible before, prompting ethical considerations and discussions on its impact on the grieving process.
Mark Sample, a professor of digital studies at Davidson College, notes the novelty of using AI for such purposes, with ChatGPT making it more accessible for individuals to experiment with this concept.
Generative AI tools, employing algorithms to generate text, video, audio, or code, can attempt to replicate responses akin to those of deceased individuals. However, the accuracy of these interactions depends on the input data provided to the AI.
One user, a 49-year-old IT professional from Alabama, anonymously shares his experience of using generative AI to clone his late father’s voice, allowing him to convert text to speech. Despite initial moral reservations, he views this as a unique way to preserve his father’s memory.
Less technically complex methods also exist, such as customizing AI responses based on details provided by users. However, while AI models can mimic certain aspects of human conversation, they lack the nuanced authenticity of genuine interactions.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, continues to enhance its technology to offer more realistic and personalized interactions. Danielle Jacobson, a 38-year-old radio personality from Johannesburg, South Africa, uses ChatGPT’s voice feature to engage in conversations with a customized AI avatar named Cole, providing companionship following the loss of her husband.
Startups and tech giants alike have explored similar applications of AI technology. However, concerns regarding privacy, authenticity, and the impact on the grieving process remain prevalent.
While some individuals find comfort in digital interactions with deceased loved ones, others, like Bill Abney from San Francisco, prefer alternative methods of remembrance, avoiding AI-based recreations out of respect for the authenticity of their relationships.
Ultimately, the use of AI for communicating with the deceased presents a complex intersection of technology and grief, with individuals adopting various approaches based on their personal preferences and ethical considerations.
Source: edition.cnn.com

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Omar Al Olama, the Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, has announced that the UAE has been chosen to join the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, comprising 49 other nations.
In a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, heralding it as a beacon of progress. He outlined the nation’s vision of leadership and excellence in the global arena, underscoring its unique position as the sole Arab and regional representative in the AI safety and security group.
Among the countries participating in this initiative are the US, UK, Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, and Spain.
The Hiroshima AI Process, established during the 49th G7 Summit in Japan last May, aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the responsible advancement of AI technology while addressing potential challenges posed by its rapid evolution.
A recently published code of conduct by the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group encourages organizations in the AI field to adopt various measures throughout the AI development process. These measures focus on addressing risks such as those related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear domains, as well as concerns regarding self-replicating AI models.
The group plans to periodically update the code of conduct through ongoing meetings and consultations with member countries and organizations.
The UAE’s involvement in this international initiative aligns with its broader efforts to lead in AI development and regulatory frameworks. Initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, established in 2019, demonstrate the nation’s commitment to AI education and innovation.
Moreover, discussions between Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Omar Al Olama during the 2024 World Governments Summit in Dubai underscored the UAE’s potential to contribute significantly to AI safety measures and auditing efforts. Altman expressed confidence in the UAE’s ability to lead discussions on AI safety and auditing, positioning the nation as a key player in shaping the future of AI technology.
Source: thenationalnews.com
 
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