Speaking at the 40th Media Innovation Network (MINDS) conference in Vienna, the Austrian president, Alexander Van der Bellen, addressed the escalating risks posed by disinformation fueled by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Drawing on personal experience, the president recounted an instance where an AI-generated video falsely depicted him endorsing a cryptocurrency investment platform, a claim he refuted. Van der Bellen highlighted that modern technology allows individuals to generate misleading content, including fabricated images placing opponents in compromising situations or creating deepfake impersonations.
He stressed the severe impact these forgeries have on public trust. While he noted that the specific deepfake he encountered was detectable due to dialect discrepancies, he warned that technological advancements mean such videos could soon become indistinguishable from reality. In response, the president emphasized the crucial role of fact-checking agencies, characterizing them as reliable sources of verified information independent of political pressure.
He asserted that a liberal democracy cannot function without truth, requiring a shared understanding of facts versus mere opinion. The president cautioned that authoritarian regimes globally attempt to limit free speech and control information flow. He argued that such regimes naturally target truth and those who seek it, citing examples of government control over press briefings and media narratives.
Despite attempts to suppress information, Van der Bellen remained optimistic, stating, “Ultimately, the truth prevails.” He concluded by calling for enhanced media literacy, robust support for independent journalism, and the active defense of democratic principles.
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