Maduro blames artificial intelligence for plotting coup against his regime

In Venezuela, during the World Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth and Students held in Caracas, Nicolás Maduro, the country’s socialist dictator, made alarming accusations against artificial intelligence. He claimed that the Western world has perfected artificial intelligence to facilitate a cyber-fascist coup aimed at establishing colonial control over humanity. This accusation came as part of a broader narrative espoused at the international gathering, which promoted an anti-imperialist and anti-fascist agenda, attracting participants from around 70 countries. Maduro asserted that this alleged technological imperialism was a direct threat to various societies, raising concerns about artificial superintelligence and its implications. The congress serves not only as a platform for political statements but also as a method for Maduro to rally support among leftist youth globally. By framing Western advancements in artificial intelligence as a conspiracy against his regime, he positioned himself and Venezuela as victims of a broader imperialist agenda, insisting that the country's current struggles were reflections of a fight against fascism. Additionally, Maduro declared plans to host a “great world anti-fascist festival” in January, coinciding with his swearing-in for another term, further solidifying his agenda of anti-imperialism. Despite his claims, Maduro has actively utilized artificial intelligence in his regime, employing AI tools for pro-regime propaganda and generating deepfake news reports presented as legitimate coverage by state media. Reports have detailed the Venezuelan government's use of these technologies in disseminating false narratives, including the use of synthetic media featuring likenesses of individuals, such as British actor Dan Dewhirst, who expressed his outrage at the misuse of his image. The context of Maduro's accusations reflects a calculated strategy to manipulate perceptions domestically and internationally, portraying the regime as besieged by external threats while simultaneously employing the very technologies he criticizes. This duality raises questions about the ethical use of AI and the implications of its manipulation in political discourse, particularly in authoritarian regimes like Venezuela, where information freedom is limited and propaganda is common.