Navigating Truth in the Age of Synthetic Media
It’s a tale as old as Democracy, says associate professor of journalism Jeremy Littau -- political candidates lying about the life, accomplishments or plans of opponents to discredit them or make themselves look like the better choice. It may seem surprising, but courts have long ruled that this type of false political speech is legal under the Constitution’s First Amendment right to free speech.
Now, due to the easy accessibility of the technology known as AI, or artificial intelligence, political candidates – or their supporters -- can take lying much further than speaking or writing mistruths. They can try to sway public opinion by creating very believable fake images, video and audio that purport to be someone or something they are not.
Spotlight Recipient
Jeremy Littau
Associate Professor of Journalism