French President Emmanuel Macron has taken to social media to promote the upcoming AI summit in Paris by showcasing deepfake videos of himself, captivating audiences with humor and engagement. Posted on February 9, the video features various parodies generated by artificial intelligence, expertly crafted by internet users over the years, and aims to underline the impact of AI on society.
Among the parodies, viewers see Macron dancing to the tune of "Voyage, voyage" by Desireless, and even appearing as the character from the French film series "OSS 117." His response was light-hearted: "Bien joué… C’est assez bien fait, ça m’a plutôt fait rire," he said, confirming the well-executed effort behind the videos. The genuine delight captured in Macron’s reaction highlights his willingness to embrace digital culture and its whims, all the more as he prepares for the summit set to open on February 10.
Macron reiterated the importance of artificial intelligence, stating, "La France et l’Europe doivent être au cœur de cette révolution pour saisir toutes leurs chances, ce en quoi nous croyons." He outlined the principal goal of the summit: to position France and Europe at the forefront of technological innovation and ethical practices around AI. "Avec l’intelligence artificielle, on peut faire de très grandes choses:changer la santé, l’énergie, la vie dans notre société," he emphasized, expressing enthusiasm for AI's potential to transform various sectors.
The Paris summit will gather over two days political leaders and industry executives from around the world to discuss pivotal issues surrounding AI, covering various aspects, including diplomatic, political, and ethical concerns. Noteworthy attendees are expected to include key figures like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and OpenAI's Sam Altman.
The stakes are high as Europe endeavors to assert its position amid competition with the giants of the United States and China. Recently, the French government announced it is preparing to host 35 new data centers dedicated to AI, which highlights the country's commitment to advancing its capabilities in this revolutionary sector.
Although the summit carries aspirations of innovation and leadership, it isn't devoid of concerns. The rapid advancement of AI raises important questions about ethical standards and regulations. Macron mentioned the need for strong principles to protect the rights of individuals and the integrity of information, particularly against the backdrop of deepfake technology, which can easily mislead viewers.
Macron’s video concluded with another humorous nod to deepfakes, where he humorously stated, "Là, c’est bien moi," presenting himself as McGyver, encapsulating the playful nature of the promotional campaign. By utilizing AI-driven parodies, Macron not only drew attention to the summit but also sparked discussions about the extraordinary capacity of technology when juxtaposed with the inherent risks it carries.
With skeleton case studies presenting their potential advantages and misuses, it's apparent the victory of AI hinges on responsible governance, coherent regulations, and ethical frameworks. Macron’s promise of the summit declaration suggests intentions toward firm guidelines to navigate these challenges.
The message is clear: France is positioning itself as a leader in shaping AI's future, where technology can be wielded positively. The upcoming discussions among global leaders may serve as pivotal moments for establishing the groundwork for AI's role within society.