AI avatars protect journalists in Venezuela

Journalists safe thanks to AI presenters - 30th September 2024

Venezuela's President Maduro declared victory after the national elections without providing any proof, sparking protests resulting in 1,400 arrests and 23 deaths across the country. Now, reporters concerned for their safety are implementing cutting-edge technology to cover political events.

Two AI avatars have come to their aid as news presenters: La Chama and El Pana, meaning 'the girl' and 'the dude'. Their broadcasts are informed, supported and fact-checked by over 100 journalists and 20 Venezuelan news outlets.

This effort, named Operation Retweet and led by a Colombian based news platform Connectas, creates short-form news clips for distribution on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Along with the news clips, photos are shared after being edited to anonymise the people involved in the protests.

The director of Connectas, Carlos Eduardo, said that because of the strict and hostile control by Maduro, "being on camera is no longer safe."

At the end of the first broadcast, El Pana commented, "Even though we are created by AI, our news is real, checked, high quality, and made by journalists."

La Chama added that their objective was "to tell the truth about what is happening in Venezuela."

Restrictions on press freedoms have become familiar in Venezuela. The government's restricted paper supplies to print media and shut down TV and radio programmes that offer alternative opinions. In addition, local internet providers have blocked certain websites due to their reporting.

Following the election, the government's begun targeting journalists, arresting 16, with 12 still imprisoned. Some face charges of inciting hatred or treason, while others remain detained without any explanation.

Although it's uncertain how long the AI avatars will keep journalists safe, Operation Retweet's expanding to inform the public around the globe. They have already launched an English version and aim to expand to other languages.