Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro was acquitted of a possible violation of electoral law after he broadcast a deepfake video of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, endorsing his election bid. A left-wing coalition supporting the re-election of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had accused Flavio Bolsonaro of violating the ban on using AI-generated replicas of real people in political campaigns. The Superior Electoral Court cleared the conservative candidate of wrongdoing, ruling that the convention where the video was shown took place before the official start of election season, according to Justice Kassio Nunes Marques. The court's decision was reached by a five to two vote.
The deepfake video was screened in July as Flavio Bolsonaro officially launched his candidacy, showing the crowd his father was endorsing him in October's elections. 'This is a simulation of my image and voice created using artificial intelligence. As everyone here knows, I am imprisoned and silenced by an unjust decision,' said the digital replica of the elder Bolsonaro. 'I ask you to welcome with open arms the person I chose to replace me -- blood of my blood, my son Flavio,' the avatar continued. Jair Bolsonaro's lawyers stated he did not authorize the use of the AI-generated video.
The 71-year-old former president served several months in prison for attempting a coup before being transferred to home confinement in March for health issues. He is not allowed to use social media, mobile phones, or make public statements. Additionally, the Supreme Court barred Flavio Bolsonaro from visiting his father until after the first round of the election, after he read out a handwritten letter from Jair Bolsonaro on social media. The first round of the presidential election will be held on October 4, and recent polls show Lula has a slight lead.
FAQs
1. **What is a deepfake video?** A deepfake video is a type of synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness, often created using artificial intelligence. In this case, it was used to simulate former president Jair Bolsonaro endorsing his son's campaign.
2. **Why was Flavio Bolsonaro accused of violating electoral law?** Flavio Bolsonaro was accused of violating electoral law because he used a deepfake video of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, to endorse his campaign. Brazilian law prohibits the use of AI-generated replicas of real people in political campaigns.
3. **What was the ruling of the Superior Electoral Court?** The Superior Electoral Court cleared Flavio Bolsonaro of wrongdoing, ruling that the convention where the video was shown took place before the official start of election season. The decision was reached by a five to two vote.
4. **What is the current status of former president Jair Bolsonaro?** Jair Bolsonaro is currently under home confinement due to health issues. He served several months in prison for attempting a coup and is not allowed to use social media, mobile phones, or make public statements.
