Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan’s AI-generated rally speech sparks transparency concerns ahead of elections
Officials from Khan's party explained that the speech was generated from a written version approved by Khan while he remains imprisoned.
Highlights
- Pakistan's Imran Khan deliver speech using AI behind bars
- The challenges that Khan's party faces were discussed in the AI-generated voice clip
- Virtual event raises transparency concerns
In a first-of-its-kind event in Pakistan, the former Prime Minister Imran Khan utilised an AI-crafted speech during a virtual rally on Sunday.
Facing restrictions on public gatherings for his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, Khan's AI-generated address garnered over 1.4 million views on YouTube and engaged tens of thousands on various social media platforms.
Transparency concerns amid internet disruptions
The AI-generated audio clip, played over an AI-generated image, addressed the challenges Khan's party faces, stating, "Our party is not allowed to hold public rallies. Our people are being kidnapped, and their families are being harassed."
However, the virtual event faced transparency concerns as livestreaming disruptions led to complaints about slow internet speeds and throttling nationwide.
Investigation into internet disruptions
Pakistan's telecom regulator is investigating the disruptions, but it maintains that overall internet accessibility appears normal. The interruptions raised concerns about the transparency of the upcoming elections, with users expressing frustration over telecom regulators' techniques that hinder streaming on applications.
AI speech originating from prison
Officials from Khan's party explained that the speech was generated from a written version approved by Khan while he remains imprisoned. Since his conviction on graft charges on 5 August, Khan has faced a crackdown on physical gatherings, and his media access has been restricted.
Challenges to fair proceedings
Imprisoned and embroiled in numerous court cases, Khan's legal battles, some held behind closed doors, raise concerns about his right to fair proceedings. The information minister in Pakistan's caretaker government, Murtaza Solangi, did not directly address concerns about free speech and assembly violations but suggested directing inquiries to the telecom regulator or the Ministry of Information Technology.
As the nation anticipates the general elections set for 8 February 2024, the AI-generated rally speech adds a unique dimension to the ongoing political saga surrounding Imran Khan.
