As Russia aims to enhance its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to counter Western dominance, as highlighted by AI Insider last month, a unique event unfolded during President Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference.
On Thursday, President Putin was momentarily at a loss for words when an AI-generated version of himself was presented to him. This virtual “double” took the stage to ask Putin a question about AI, adding an intriguing twist to the conference.
“Vladimir Vladimirovich, hello, I am a student at St Petersburg State University. I want to ask, is it true you have a lot of doubles?” the double asked, which elicited chuckles from the crowd gathered with Putin in Moscow. “And also: How do you view the dangers that artificial intelligence and neural networks bring into our lives?”
This conference, which traditionally connects dozens of callers from across Russia to the president via video link, saw a blend of technology and politics in an unprecedented way. The AI-generated Putin is a testament to Russia’s growing interest in AI technology, aligning with Putin’s previous assertions about the need for Russia to advance in this field to maintain competitiveness.
“I see you may resemble me and speak with my voice. But I have thought about it and decided that only one person must be like me and speak with my voice, and that will be me,” answered Putin, before adding: “That is my first double, by the way.”
The presence of the AI “double” also indirectly addressed recurring speculations, often emphasized by Western media, about Putin employing body doubles for public appearances due to alleged health concerns. The Kremlin has consistently denied these rumours, maintaining that President Putin’s health is in excellent condition. This AI representation, while serving a different purpose, subtly echoed the Kremlin’s stance by showcasing a technologically advanced and healthy image of the Russian leader.
Featured image: Credit: CNBC
