French President Macron Employs Deepfake Technology to Advocate for AI Summit
The effort highlights France's dedication to being a front-runner in artificial intelligence, as Macron disseminates AI-generated videos on social media platforms.
French President Emmanuel Macron has embraced artificial intelligence in a unique promotional campaign for the upcoming AI Action Summit, using AI-generated deepfake videos that have gained significant attention on social media.
The clips, which were posted on Instagram, depict Macron in various amusing scenarios, including dancing to the 1980s classic "Voyage Voyage" by Desireless, starring in a spy-themed comedy alongside French actor Jean Dujardin, and rapping in a manner reminiscent of modern French artist Nekfeu.
In reaction to the online videos, Macron acknowledged the creativity involved, stating, "Nicely done" and "It's pretty well done, it made me laugh." He pointed out the broader implications of artificial intelligence, highlighting its potential to revolutionize industries like healthcare and energy.
The videos are connected to the AI Action Summit, scheduled to take place in Paris on Monday and Tuesday, bringing together heads of state and government from across the globe.
India will co-chair the event.
Macron has expressed a desire for France and Europe to take a prominent position in the evolution of AI, focusing on the opportunities it presents while upholding key European values.
The Instagram post has garnered over 73,000 likes, with responses ranging from praise for Macron's laid-back persona to initial uncertainty about whether his account had been hacked.
Besides this promotional endeavor, France is positioning itself as a major player in the international AI scene.
Significantly, France and the United Arab Emirates have announced plans to create a 1-gigawatt AI data center in a project expected to cost between $30 billion and $50 billion.
This collaboration aims to establish a strategic partnership focused on joint projects and investments that enhance the AI value chain.
The unveiling of Macron's deepfake videos and the approaching AI Action Summit highlight France's ambitions and efforts to shape the future of artificial intelligence.