The Dominican Republic condemned Spain’s People’s Party for an AI-generated video linking it to corruption. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez apologized on behalf of Spain after the video’s controversial portrayal. The incident highlights the potential repercussions of AI in political campaigns and the strategic focus on engaging younger voters through social media.
The Dominican Republic issued a strong condemnation against Spain’s People’s Party (PP) for an AI-generated video that linked the Caribbean nation to corruption, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to issue an apology. The controversial video, posted on social media, depicted a shirtless Sanchez on a beach titled “The Island of Corruption,” parodying the reality show “The Island of Temptations” filmed in the Dominican Republic.
In response to the incident, the Dominican Foreign Ministry characterized the video as a “vicious and incomprehensible attack,” asserting that it misused national symbols for internal political discourse in Spain. Following backlash, the PP removed the post, which had garnered over 400,000 views, and emphasized that it did not intend to harm the Dominican Republic’s reputation.
On Thursday, Sanchez expressed his regret, stating he was “deeply ashamed” of the incident, despite not having viewed the video himself. This controversy arises shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump faced criticism for an AI-generated video depicting the Gaza Strip in an insensitive manner. The increasing adoption of AI in political campaigning highlights its cost-effectiveness as a tool for generating engaging content.
Moreover, in an attempt to capture the attention of younger voters who prefer social media, the PP is positioned in competition with the far-right party Vox. Recent surveys indicate that social media has become a primary source of information for this demographic, reflecting the evolving landscape of political communication.
This article illustrates the repercussions of an AI-generated video by Spain’s People’s Party, which elicited a strong response from the Dominican Republic. The incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding the use of national symbols in political contexts. With the rising use of AI in political campaigns, it is clear that such technologies can provoke significant backlash and shape public discourse. The engagement of younger voters through social media remains a critical focus for political parties in Spain as the landscape evolves.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
