Russian President Vladimir Putin came face-to-face with himself, or at least his virtual doppelganger created using “deepfake” technology, during his major televised question-and-answer session with citizens on Thursday.
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A student from St. Petersburg who asked him about the rise of artificial intelligence appeared in the picture in the image and with the voice of Vladimir Putin thanks to digital tricks.
He also asked if it was true that the Russian president had “many doppelgangers,” which caused some laughter from the audience.
The student, who did not reveal his true identity, was referring to recurring rumors, already denied by the Kremlin, that Vladimir Putin was ill and would use stunt doubles for certain public appearances.
“I see that you can look like me and talk like me,” Vladimir Putin replied to his virtual double, visibly astonished.
“But I thought about it and decided that only one person should look like me and use my voice, and that's myself,” he continued.
“He’s also my first double,” the president continued.
Persistent rumors about Vladimir Putin's health and his possible use of doppelgangers have been circulating for years, fueled by the rarity of his public appearances during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Kremlin regularly assures us that this is all wrong and that the president is not sick.
“Deepfake” photos and videos are sophisticated and increasingly credible montages, usually featuring celebrities or leaders, posing a challenge in the fight against misinformation.