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Venezuela's Latest News Agency Utilises AI Anchors to Safeguard Journalists Amid Government Crackdown
Venezuela's new AI news anchors, El Pana and La Chama, aim to protect journalists in the face of government crackdown. AI journalism initiative "Operation Retweet" by Connectas seeks to circumvent risks faced by reporters in Venezuela. Recent arrests of journalists and protesters in Venezuela are part of a broader government effort to suppress dissent.
Meet "El Pana" and "La Chama," virtual news presenters modelled after real people and created as part of "Operation Retweet" by Connectas, a Colombia-based organisation led by director Carlos Huertas. This initiative aims to disseminate news from Venezuela's various independent media outlets while also ensuring reporters' safety in the midst of a government crackdown on journalists and protesters.
Carlos Huertas explained the rationale for using artificial intelligence in news presentation, stating, "We decided to use artificial intelligence to be the 'face' of the information we're publishing because our colleagues who are still out doing their jobs are facing much more risk." With at least ten journalists detained since mid-June, eight of whom are still in custody on terrorism charges, there is a clear need for innovative protection measures.
The use of AI in journalism is viewed as a fusion of technology and media, providing a means to navigate government persecution and escalating repression. Having AI anchors deliver the news reduces the risk of physical arrest for human reporters. In light of recent arrests of protesters, opposition figures, and journalists, which are seen as part of a larger government crackdown to quell election-related unrest, the role of AI in news dissemination gains significance.
Despite the ongoing turmoil and international scrutiny surrounding the July 28 election, Venezuela's communications ministry has not responded to the AI journalism initiative. With both the opposition and President Nicolas Maduro claiming victory in the disputed election, tensions are high. Maduro, who has the support of the Supreme Court and the electoral authority, is facing allegations of electoral irregularities, which are fuelling dissent and protests.
The aftermath of the election has been marked by violence, with protests resulting in numerous casualties and arrests. The government's "Operation Knock Knock" continues to target opposition figures and protesters, escalating the political crisis. Maduro's administration has labelled protesters as fascists, blaming their actions on outside influences, a claim refuted by countries such as the United States.
Venezuela's new AI news anchors, El Pana and La Chama, aim to protect journalists in the face of government crackdown.
AI journalism initiative "Operation Retweet" by Connectas seeks to circumvent risks faced by reporters in Venezuela.
Recent arrests of journalists and protesters in Venezuela are part of a broader government effort to suppress dissent.
Source: REUTERS