Kenyan Foreign Affairs PS Apologizes for Sharing AI Deepfake Video
Kenya's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei apologized after posting an AI-generated deepfake video falsely showing CNN commentator Fareed Zakaria endorsing Kenya's controversial Sudan diplomacy. The video was detected and flagged as artificial, and the incident prompted diplomatic tensions with Sudan's government.
What happened
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei posted an AI-generated deepfake video on X (formerly Twitter) that falsely depicted CNN political commentator Fareed Zakaria commenting on Kenya's role in Sudan's peace efforts and its controversial decision to allow the Rapid Support Forces of Sudan and its allies to hold a ceremony.
The video was flagged as a deepfake by users. Sing'oei apologized, stating he 'sincerely apologize[d] for inadvertently posting an AI-generated video disguised as a genuine commentary' and acknowledged the mistake.
Reported impact
Sudan's Foreign Ministry recalled its Ambassador to Kenya for consultations in response to Kenya's alleged support for the rebel group RSF.
The incident raised concerns about the potential for AI-generated content to mislead the public and pose diplomatic risks.
Index analysis
The deepfake video ostensibly defended Kenya's peace diplomacy steps in the Sudan conflict, creating the appearance of international validation for Kenya's position.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced plans to work with tech companies on watermarking AI-generated content and launched the School of AI Diplomacy at the Foreign Services Academy to help policymakers navigate such emerging challenges.
Governance controls
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with partners and tech companies to explore watermarking of AI-generated content to prevent such material from posing as human-generated material.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.