In a groundbreaking move, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) to campaign from behind bars. Facing a three-year sentence for corruption, Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), utilized an AI voice clone to address supporters in a virtual rally. This article explores the intricacies of this unprecedented political maneuver, delving into the technologies involved, the motivations behind the move, and the potential implications for political campaigning.
The Genesis of Imran Khan’s AI Campaign
Imran Khan’s incarceration since August posed a significant challenge for the PTI, as the party was barred from holding public rallies. Faced with public and political engagement restrictions, the party turned to AI as a solution. The idea was to create a virtual rally where Khan’s voice, generated through AI, would resonate with supporters.
Technology Behind the Scenes
Imran Khan’s AI Voice Clone by ElevenLabs
The PTI revealed that a shorthand script provided by Imran Khan’s lawyers served as the foundation for the AI-generated speech. ElevenLabs’ AI tool then transformed the script into Khan’s distinctive rhetorical style. The tool, boasting the capability to create a “voice clone” from existing speech samples, played a pivotal role in simulating Khan’s vocal delivery.
Overcoming Censorship with Virtual Presence
State censorship had previously banned Imran Khan from traditional media channels, prompting the party to turn to social media for the virtual rally. Despite disruptions and internet throttling, the PTI successfully streamed the AI-generated audio alongside historical footage of Khan, creating a compelling virtual presence.
Political Motivations
Circumventing Political Suppression
Imran Khan’s political journey has been marked by clashes with Pakistan’s military leaders, leading to his ousting in the previous year. The AI-driven virtual rally served as a means to circumvent the suppression imposed by the interim government, allowing Khan’s message to reach the masses despite restrictions on his physical presence.
Encouraging Voter Turnout
Despite Khan being barred from public rallies and the PTI encountering a crackdown, the virtual rally aimed to bolster voter turnout for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8. Emphasizing the significance of genuine freedom, the AI-generated message urged supporters to steadfastly defy the challenges imposed by the government.
Challenges and Criticisms
Internet Disruptions and Censorship
NetBlocks, a global network monitor, reported internet disruptions during the virtual rally, consistent with previous instances of censorship targeting Imran Khan. Critics argue that such disruptions raise concerns about the transparency of the upcoming elections, questioning the fairness of the political process.
Authenticity and Public Reception
While the virtual rally reached millions of viewers, some expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the AI-generated speech. Critics noted peculiarities in grammar and delivery, emphasizing that nothing can replace the impact of a real rally and a live speech. However, supporters praised the PTI for utilizing innovative technology in their campaign.
The Larger Implications
AI in Political Campaigning beyond Imran Khan’s Campaign
Imran Khan’s utilization of AI for political campaigning sets a precedent in the intersection of technology and politics. Furthermore, as AI technology advances, political actors may increasingly turn to virtual alternatives to navigate restrictions and reach audiences. Consequently, this raises pertinent questions about the authenticity of virtual political engagements and the potential for AI-driven disinformation.
Potential for Misuse
While the PTI’s use of AI appears innovative, analysts have long warned about the potential misuse of Artificial Intelligence in impersonating leaders and spreading disinformation. The Khan case highlights how we can use AI for genuine political expression but also as a tool to navigate state suppression, posing challenges for distinguishing between authentic and AI-generated content.
