London Mayor Sadiq Khan has raised concerns about the potential threat of deepfake technology and artificial intelligence (AI) if not properly regulated.
The warning comes after a deepfake audio clip of Khan circulated on social media, where an artificial voice falsely attributed to him called for rescheduling Armistice Day for a pro-Palestinian march. The Metropolitan Police, after reviewing the fake audio, concluded that it did not constitute a criminal offense.
Mayor Encourages Vigilance Against Misinformation
During Mayor’s Question Time, Khan emphasized the need for vigilance against deepfakes, stating that such videos are intended to sow seeds of hatred and division. He urged people to report any such content to social media platforms to prevent its further dissemination. While the Met Police found no criminal offense in this specific case, Khan acknowledged the potential harm caused by deepfakes and the importance of addressing the issue.
Calls for Legislative Change and Increased Regulation
Tory assembly member Tony Devenish expressed surprise at the non-criminal classification of the deepfake and suggested writing a cross-party letter to Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley or considering legislative changes. Khan refrained from commenting on his specific case but noted discussions with security minister Tom Tugendhat MP. He highlighted the government’s awareness of the danger posed by deepfakes and the need for action, especially in the context of elections and referenda.
Concerns About Community Impact and Misinformation
Lord Bailey, Khan’s Conservative opponent in the 2021 mayoral election, raised concerns about the impact of deepfakes on community sentiment, particularly within the Black community where such content circulates on WhatsApp groups, leading to anger and hurt. Khan agreed, noting the increasing reliance on social media for news and the potential exploitation of community tensions through fake images and content.
London’s Role in Influencing AI Development
Despite the challenges, Khan expressed confidence that London and the broader UK are well-positioned to influence positive developments in AI. He stressed the importance of addressing the issue to prevent potential harm, especially as technology evolves and those with malicious intent find new ways to cause damage.