Namibia’s ICT Minister Warns Public Against AI-Powered Disinformation Threats. Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, has issued a public warning regarding the growing threat of disinformation driven by emerging technologies such as deepfakes and voice cloning.
Speaking on the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), Theofelus cautioned that the rapid advancement of AI-powered tools has made it easier to produce manipulated content that can mislead the public and erode trust in legitimate sources.
“Deepfakes’ capability to alter videos and mimic anyone has amplified our vulnerability to technology,” said Theofelus, highlighting how such content can appear to come from credible figures or institutions, increasing the risk of it being accepted as truth.
Deepfake technology uses AI to generate highly realistic but false images, videos, and audio recordings. When combined with voice cloning, these tools can create content that is nearly indistinguishable from authentic material, making it a potent weapon for misinformation.
Theofelus urged the public to exercise caution and avoid sharing suspicious content. “The public is, therefore, urged to be vigilant and refrain from further spreading of such videos and images to curb disinformation,” she said.
Her warning comes at a time when governments around the world are grappling with the dual challenge of embracing AI innovation while protecting citizens from its misuse.