The concept of Artificial Intelligence is as old as speculative fiction itself. It took centuries for it to transform from science fiction into the fantastically revolutionary reality that we see (and live) every day. Instead of encumbering this write-up with numerous examples from the ancient Greek, Arab and Sanskrit literature, let’s look at the British sci-fi cult mini-series The Prisoner from 1967.
In one episode titled, ‘The General’, the prisoners of the village (an unknown prison in an undisclosed location) population — are subjected to a new mind-altering education technology called ‘Speed Learn’ which can instill a three-year university level course in history over a television screen in just three minutes. It is done by the help of generative-AI. In ‘Cal’, a short story written by Isaac Asimov, a writer teaches his robot assistant to write detective stories and reprograms him to read more books. The story concludes with Cal’s understanding of humanity and skill as a writer grown apace until he becomes too aware of mankind and too cynical.
Looking at the historical progress of AI and its profound impact on our day-to-day life, it is evident we are living in the world sci-fi had predicted. It is all happening now, everywhere, including Pakistan.
In a remarkable turn of events, PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly deployed an AI clone to campaign from behind bars, challenging conventional norms in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and world politics. This article explores the significance of this move, delving into the broader role of AI in shaping political landscapes globally.
The use of technology in political campaigns is not new. AI technologies have increasingly become integral to political strategies, enabling leaders to analyse vast data sets, target specific demographics, and optimise messaging for maximum impact.
This past summer, a super PAC released an ad promoting Republican Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis’ campaign that used a generative-AI tool to recreate former President Donald Trump in his voice reading social media posts from his social media platform. The ‘deepfake’ campaign ad offered no disclaimer about the artificial voice. Then in December last year, the world was introduced to Ashley, an artificial intelligence campaign volunteer. Used by Democratic candidates for their election campaigns, Ashley is a highly efficient robocaller sans any pre-recorded messages or canned responses. This political robocaller is capable of having an infinite number of customised one-on-one conversations at the same time.
Interestingly, Imran Khan’s deployment of an AI clone represents a ground-breaking development in the region because his innovative use of AI suggests a new frontier in the evolving relationship between technology and politics in Pakistan.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to employ an AI clone for campaigning while in confinement challenges traditional notions of political participation. The AI clone, presumably designed to emulate his persona and communicate his messages, raises intriguing questions about the role of AI in sustaining political influence even under adverse circumstances. This move may signal a shift in how political leaders navigate the challenges of limited physical presence.
The use of an AI clone could be seen as a manifestation of political resilience in the face of constraints. Imran Khan’s initiative suggests that leaders are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to maintain their political relevance and engage with constituents, even in unconventional circumstances. This raises ethical considerations about the extent to which AI should be involved in political processes and the potential impact on democratic norms.
While the deployment of an AI clone for political campaigning is innovative, it also raises significant challenges and ethical concerns. Questions about transparency, authenticity, and the potential manipulation of public opinion come to the forefront. The public and the international community may scrutinise the ethical boundaries of using AI in politics, especially when it comes to influencing voters from behind bars.
Globally, political leaders are incorporating AI into their campaigns and governance. From analysing social media trends to predicting voter behaviour, AI is becoming a powerful tool in shaping political narratives. Imran Khan’s case adds a unique dimension to this trend, showcasing the adaptability of AI in the face of political challenges.
The use of AI in politics prompts a re-examination of its impact on democratic processes. While technology can enhance efficiency and outreach, there is a need for safeguards to ensure fairness, transparency, and the preservation of democratic values. Imran Khan’s use of AI from behind bars may ignite discussions on how to regulate and ethically use AI in the context of political participation.
Moreover, Imran Khan’s unconventional move is likely to capture the attention of the international community. Diplomatically, the use of AI in political campaigns may influence perceptions of political stability and democratic norms in the region. Nations may evaluate the implications of such strategies on the broader landscape of international relations and the role of AI in shaping political narratives globally.
Imran Khan’s use of an AI clone offers a glimpse into the potential future trajectory of AI in Pakistani politics. As technology continues to advance, political leaders may increasingly explore innovative ways to leverage AI for campaigning, governance, and international relations. Policymakers and the public alike will need to grapple with the evolving role of AI in shaping the political landscape and its impact on democratic principles.
Imran Khan’s deployment of an AI clone for political campaigning is a landmark event that underscores the evolving relationship between technology and politics. While it introduces new possibilities for political resilience, it also raises complex ethical questions and challenges regarding the use of AI in democratic processes. As the global landscape continues to be shaped by technological advancements, the intersection of AI and politics is likely to be a focal point for policymakers, scholars, and the public in the years to come.
The writer is a UK-based film-maker and an independent writer.
The Role of AI in Shaping Politics
The concept of Artificial Intelligence is as old as speculative fiction itself. It took centuries for it to transform from science fiction into the fantastically revolutionary reality that we see (and live) every day. Instead of encumbering this write-up with numerous examples from the ancient Greek, Arab and Sanskrit literature, let’s look at the British sci-fi cult mini-series The Prisoner from 1967.
In one episode titled, ‘The General’, the prisoners of the village (an unknown prison in an undisclosed location) population — are subjected to a new mind-altering education technology called ‘Speed Learn’ which can instill a three-year university level course in history over a television screen in just three minutes. It is done by the help of generative-AI. In ‘Cal’, a short story written by Isaac Asimov, a writer teaches his robot assistant to write detective stories and reprograms him to read more books. The story concludes with Cal’s understanding of humanity and skill as a writer grown apace until he becomes too aware of mankind and too cynical.
Looking at the historical progress of AI and its profound impact on our day-to-day life, it is evident we are living in the world sci-fi had predicted. It is all happening now, everywhere, including Pakistan.
In a remarkable turn of events, PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly deployed an AI clone to campaign from behind bars, challenging conventional norms in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and world politics. This article explores the significance of this move, delving into the broader role of AI in shaping political landscapes globally.
The use of technology in political campaigns is not new. AI technologies have increasingly become integral to political strategies, enabling leaders to analyse vast data sets, target specific demographics, and optimise messaging for maximum impact.
This past summer, a super PAC released an ad promoting Republican Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis’ campaign that used a generative-AI tool to recreate former President Donald Trump in his voice reading social media posts from his social media platform. The ‘deepfake’ campaign ad offered no disclaimer about the artificial voice. Then in December last year, the world was introduced to Ashley, an artificial intelligence campaign volunteer. Used by Democratic candidates for their election campaigns, Ashley is a highly efficient robocaller sans any pre-recorded messages or canned responses. This political robocaller is capable of having an infinite number of customised one-on-one conversations at the same time.
Interestingly, Imran Khan’s deployment of an AI clone represents a ground-breaking development in the region because his innovative use of AI suggests a new frontier in the evolving relationship between technology and politics in Pakistan.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to employ an AI clone for campaigning while in confinement challenges traditional notions of political participation. The AI clone, presumably designed to emulate his persona and communicate his messages, raises intriguing questions about the role of AI in sustaining political influence even under adverse circumstances. This move may signal a shift in how political leaders navigate the challenges of limited physical presence.
The use of an AI clone could be seen as a manifestation of political resilience in the face of constraints. Imran Khan’s initiative suggests that leaders are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to maintain their political relevance and engage with constituents, even in unconventional circumstances. This raises ethical considerations about the extent to which AI should be involved in political processes and the potential impact on democratic norms.
While the deployment of an AI clone for political campaigning is innovative, it also raises significant challenges and ethical concerns. Questions about transparency, authenticity, and the potential manipulation of public opinion come to the forefront. The public and the international community may scrutinise the ethical boundaries of using AI in politics, especially when it comes to influencing voters from behind bars.
Globally, political leaders are incorporating AI into their campaigns and governance. From analysing social media trends to predicting voter behaviour, AI is becoming a powerful tool in shaping political narratives. Imran Khan’s case adds a unique dimension to this trend, showcasing the adaptability of AI in the face of political challenges.
The use of AI in politics prompts a re-examination of its impact on democratic processes. While technology can enhance efficiency and outreach, there is a need for safeguards to ensure fairness, transparency, and the preservation of democratic values. Imran Khan’s use of AI from behind bars may ignite discussions on how to regulate and ethically use AI in the context of political participation.
Moreover, Imran Khan’s unconventional move is likely to capture the attention of the international community. Diplomatically, the use of AI in political campaigns may influence perceptions of political stability and democratic norms in the region. Nations may evaluate the implications of such strategies on the broader landscape of international relations and the role of AI in shaping political narratives globally.
Imran Khan’s use of an AI clone offers a glimpse into the potential future trajectory of AI in Pakistani politics. As technology continues to advance, political leaders may increasingly explore innovative ways to leverage AI for campaigning, governance, and international relations. Policymakers and the public alike will need to grapple with the evolving role of AI in shaping the political landscape and its impact on democratic principles.
Imran Khan’s deployment of an AI clone for political campaigning is a landmark event that underscores the evolving relationship between technology and politics. While it introduces new possibilities for political resilience, it also raises complex ethical questions and challenges regarding the use of AI in democratic processes. As the global landscape continues to be shaped by technological advancements, the intersection of AI and politics is likely to be a focal point for policymakers, scholars, and the public in the years to come.
The writer is a UK-based film-maker and an independent writer.
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