Bolsonaro campaign tells TSE AI video was legal, not deceptive

Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign has presented its defense to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) regarding an artificial intelligence-generated video of Jair Bolsonaro shown at a party convention. The campaign argues that the video, which featured a synthetic avatar of the former president, was not intended to deceive the public or spread false content.

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This you are seeing here is not me. This is a simulation of my image and voice made with artificial intelligence. As you all know, I am imprisoned and silenced by an unjust and arbitrary decision, based on something I never did.

The defense was filed in response to a complaint by the Federação Brasil da Esperança, a coalition including the PT party. The federation accused the Liberal Party (PL) and Flávio Bolsonaro of using the AI video for early electoral propaganda and irregular means. They requested the video be removed from social media and that a fine be imposed.

The complainants contend that the AI-generated video of Bolsonaro presented "unequivocal electoral content" and amplified the "emotional impact of the message," granting it "high persuasive power." They argue this use of AI disrupts the "level playing field" in elections.

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Therefore, I ask you to welcome with open arms the person I chose to replace me, blood of my blood, my son Flávio. Come with faith, Brazil has a future, and the future is Flávio Bolsonaro president.

The case has been assigned to TSE President Kassio Nunes Marques. He previously stated that while using AI for campaigning is legal, it must not be used to harm anyone. The TSE is still evaluating the matter, and Marques will make an initial decision, potentially referring it to the full court.

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Deep fake has deceptiveness as its motive, is offensive, and aims to introduce or digitally manipulate real records, deepening the deception. [...] The public was warned.