Putin confronts his AI 'double'

In an annual news conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefly left speechless when confronted with an AI-generated version of himself. The “double” took the opportunity to ask Putin a question about artificial intelligence during the event, where dozens of callers from around the country were connected to the president by video link.

The double, who appeared at the conference, asked, “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? And also: How do you view the dangers that artificial intelligence and neural networks bring into our lives?”

Putin, already in his fourth hour of taking questions at the marathon event, appeared hesitant in response to the question. He said, “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.”

There has been ongoing speculation, particularly in Western media, about Putin having one or more body doubles to cover for him in some public appearances due to alleged health problems. However, the Kremlin has denied this and stated that the president’s health is in excellent condition.

The unusual interaction between Putin and the AI-generated double prompted laughter among the audience present in the hall with Putin in Moscow. The question about AI and neural networks highlighted the increasing influence and potential impact of technology in our lives.

This incident also shed light on the use of AI to create realistic replicas of individuals, raising important ethical and moral questions about the potential misuse of such technology. The encounter between Putin and his AI-generated double sparked discussions about the boundaries and implications of AI development and its potential societal implications.

The event served as a reminder of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and its growing role in various aspects of our lives, including politics and governance. It also highlighted the need for thoughtful consideration and regulation of AI technology to mitigate potential risks and ensure its responsible use.

As the conference continued, Putin addressed a wide range of topics, including domestic and international affairs, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge and experience as the leader of a major global power. His responses contributed to a better understanding of Russia’s positions on key issues.

The encounter with the AI-generated double added an unexpected and memorable moment to the conference, capturing the attention of the audience and sparking discussions about the intersection of technology, politics, and society.

(Reporting by Reuters, writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Gareth Jones)