AAP leaders in Mumbai, including Ruben Mascarenhas, shared an AI-generated voice clone on X of a message purportedly written by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Mascarenhas posted both Hindi and English versions of the AI-generated voice clone on the social media platform. The message, previously read aloud by Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, reiterated Kejriwal’s commitment to return and fulfill his promises to the people despite his detainment.
This move by AAP leaders echoes a similar use of AI-generated content in politics, such as when Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) released AI-generated voice messages and video speeches in English and Urdu following the general elections in Pakistan.
Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED on March 21, 2024, was related to allegations regarding the liquor policy. Following the withdrawal of a petition to quash his arrest in the Supreme Court, Kejriwal was brought before the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on March 22, where he was ordered to be placed in ED custody for seven days.
The AI-generated voice clone shared on X, lasting 34 seconds, featured Kejriwal affirming his unwavering dedication to serving the nation, whether inside or outside of confinement. He also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and urged people to unite to overcome external and internal forces that weaken the country.
In addition to Mascarenhas, AAP Mumbai’s Joint Secretary Aditya Paul also posted the AI-generated voice clone on X, emphasizing Kejriwal’s message to volunteers in his own words. The content of the AI-generated speech was found to match the letter read by Kejriwal’s wife, indicating its fidelity to the original message.
To validate the authenticity of the AI-generated voice clone, the detection tool itisaar.ai, developed by the Image Analysis and Biometric Lab (IAB) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur, was employed. It confirmed that both audio samples were indeed AI-generated.
This utilization of AI-generated content in political discourse raises questions about the authenticity and ethical implications of such practices. While technology enables the replication of voices and messages, it also underscores the potential for misinformation and manipulation in public communication.
The decision to employ AI-generated voice clones to disseminate political messages underscores the evolving landscape of political communication and the increasing reliance on technology to convey political narratives. However, it also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the use of such technology to ensure the integrity of public discourse.
