Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has issued an apology after sharing a deepfake video that falsely appeared to be a CNN broadcast. The AI-generated video, which purported to feature CNN journalist Fareed Zakaria, addressed Kenya’s role in mediating peace in the Sudan conflict.
In a statement on Friday, Sing’oei expressed regret over the confusion caused by his post and thanked individuals who flagged the video as a deepfake. “I sincerely apologize for inadvertently posting an AI-generated video disguised as a genuine commentary from Fareed Zakaria of CNN. I regret any confusion this may have caused and appreciate everyone’s vigilance in identifying the video as misleading,” he stated.
The controversy began when CNN journalist Larry Madowo publicly called out the inaccuracy, clarifying that CNN had never aired the video in question. Following the revelation, Sing’oei promptly deleted the post and took responsibility for the mistake.
The PS noted that Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry is actively collaborating with technology companies to explore watermarking solutions for AI-generated content. He emphasized the need for safeguards to prevent AI material from being misrepresented as authentic human-generated media.
Additionally, Sing’oei announced the establishment of the School on AI Diplomacy (SAID) at the Foreign Services Academy. The initiative aims to equip policymakers with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in diplomacy and information sharing.
The incident unfolded amid heightened debate over Kenya’s diplomatic engagement with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sing’oei initially shared the video to support Kenya’s peace mediation efforts, which have faced criticism from various quarters. The government’s decision to host RSF leaders in Nairobi has sparked concerns, with critics arguing that such engagements could legitimize a faction in Sudan’s internal conflict.
Sing’oei’s apology highlights the growing challenge of deepfake misinformation in global affairs. The rapid advancement of AI technology has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between authentic and manipulated content. His statement underscores the need for increased awareness and policy measures to combat the spread of deepfakes in diplomatic and political discourse.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale on the risks of unverified digital content, particularly in an era where misinformation can significantly impact international relations.
