'Using AI to manipulate the truth is not on'

A councillor has warned of the dangers of AI images in the run-up to local elections, after a doctored image of him was used to spread misinformation.

In the altered image, Wakefield councillor Armaan Khan was shown standing alongside ward colleagues next to a housing estate - which he had opposed.

The original image showed the group alongside open fields.

Khan said: "We were quite upset, we put in many hours of campaigning. Using that to create a perception in people's minds that we have supported the development was absolutely wrong."

A recent planning meeting saw proposals approved for a housing development on farmland west of Wakefield Road in Normanton.

But Khan, who represents Normanton, Warmfield, Kirkthorpe and Heath, said it was "frustrating" that the image was used to portray the opposite message of his campaign.

"It is one of the first elections in this country we are having where AI is going to be dominating our local politics," he said.

"There are positives to it, however the negatives are that it is going to be used for deep fakes."

Earlier this year a senior York politician was targeted by a fake AI generated video.

In a statement, the National Association of Councillors said it was "very concerned by this activity," adding that the "underhand practice" was becoming widespread, and "undermines democracy".

"It is obviously done to ruin the reputation of councillors and change the political make-up of councils at the next set of elections."

Ahead of the local election period, Khan called on social media users to be on their guard.

"Political parties might disagree with each other on policy, on politics and other stuff," he said.

"I think policy disagreements are fine, we should have that discussion, we should have that debate but using AI to manipulate the truth - that is not on.

"We need to make sure we are putting real information to people.

"I would urge you all, wherever side of politics you stand, whenever you see a deep fake, please call it out."

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