The president blamed AI and embraced doing so. Is it becoming the new 'fake news'?

In a world increasingly shaped by digital forces, the very concept of truth feels more fragile than ever. We've navigated "fake news," but a new, more insidious challenge has emerged: the weaponization of artificial intelligence. When leaders and public figures begin to casually dismiss inconvenient facts as "probably AI," a dangerous precedent is set, threatening to unravel the fabric of shared reality and accountability.

The New Scapegoat: AI as the Ultimate Deniability

Blaming AI has quickly become a favored tactic for those seeking to evade responsibility. Unlike a human, AI cannot be subpoenaed or cross-examined; it simply "makes mistakes." This convenient, non-human shield offers a perfect out for gaffes, missteps, or outright fabrications. From presidential remarks attributing embarrassing footage to AI, even after official clarification, to international ministers questioning video veracity with claims of "almost cartoonish animation," the pattern is clear. This isn't just about deflecting blame; it's about fundamentally altering our relationship with evidence.

The Dangerous Appeal of the "Liar's Dividend"

Experts call this phenomenon the "liar's dividend." When the public becomes conditioned to believe that any piece of evidence—be it a video, audio, or image—could be an AI-generated deepfake, an untruthful individual benefits immensely. If everything can be faked, then, as digital forensics expert Hany Farid points out, nothing has to be real. This skepticism, ironically, serves those who spread misinformation, allowing them to deny verifiable facts by simply labeling them as AI fabrications.

This dynamic was foreseen by legal scholars Danielle K. Citron and Robert Chesney in 2019. They warned that if trust in digital evidence erodes, power will flow to prominent opinions, priming a skeptical public to doubt even authentic evidence. It undermines the very foundations of public discourse and informed decision-making.

Navigating a Post-Truth Landscape

The implications are profound. When leaders are no longer held accountable by documented reality, the checks and balances of a democratic society weaken. Toby Walsh, an AI professor, highlights the erosion of accountability: "It used to be that if you were caught on tape saying something, you had to own it. This is no longer the case." This shift is particularly troubling given that public polling reveals a growing concern among U.S. adults about AI's use and a deep distrust of AI-generated information, especially from political leaders.

Your Role in Upholding Reality

In this evolving landscape, our ability to discern truth becomes paramount. Here’s how you can navigate the "liar's dividend" and protect your understanding of reality:

• Cultivate Critical Skepticism: Approach all claims, especially those dismissing evidence as AI-generated, with a critical eye. Question the source, the motive, and seek corroborating evidence from trusted, independent channels.
• Demand Evidence, Not Excuses: When presented with a claim that something is AI-generated, ask for proof. The burden of proof lies with the accuser.
• Understand the Motive: Recognize that blaming AI can be a deliberate strategy to escape accountability. Consider who benefits from the confusion.

Beyond the Blame: A Call for Digital Literacy

The rise of AI-as-an-excuse underscores an urgent need for enhanced digital literacy across all levels of society. We must equip ourselves with the tools to distinguish between genuine and synthetic content, and, more importantly, to recognize when AI is being used as a shield for dishonesty. The future of informed public discourse depends on our collective commitment to truth, even when it’s inconvenient. Let’s not allow the convenience of a technological scapegoat to erode our grip on reality and accountability. Demand transparency, foster critical thinking, and stand firm against the blurring lines of truth.