Speaking at the 40th Media Innovation Network (MINDS) conference in Vienna, Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen issued a warning regarding the escalating risks posed by disinformation fueled by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). The president used his own experience to illustrate the scope of the challenge, recounting an instance where an AI-generated video falsely depicted him endorsing a cryptocurrency platform. Van der Bellen stressed that modern technology enables anyone to create misleading content, ranging from fabricated images to deepfake videos that can portray individuals in compromising or entirely false scenarios.
He noted that while the current forgery was identifiable—due to a noticeable dialect difference—technology is advancing quickly, suggesting future videos may become virtually indistinguishable from reality. In response, the president emphasized the critical role of fact-checking organizations, describing them as essential, independent sources of verified information. He asserted that a liberal democracy cannot function without a shared commitment to truth.
“We need a shared understanding of what is right and what is wrong. Of what is a fact, and what is just an opinion,” he stated. Furthermore, he warned that authoritarian regimes globally are attempting to control media and the flow of information.
He argued that these regimes naturally target truth-seekers to undermine critical voices. To counter this, Van der Bellen called for increased media literacy and robust support for independent journalism, framing the active defense of democratic values as paramount.
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