Zürcher Nachrichten - Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro denies authorizing deepfake for election message

The Supreme Court had demanded an explanation about the appearance of an AI-clone of Jair Bolsonaro, who is barred from making public statements as he serves a 27-year sentence under house arrest for plotting a coup after losing Brazil's last election in 2022.

The deepfake video was screened as Flavio Bolsonaro officially launched his candidacy on Saturday.

"This is a simulation of my image and voice created using artificial intelligence. As everyone here knows, I am imprisoned and silenced by an unjust decision," said the digital replica of Bolsonaro.

"I ask you to welcome with open arms the person I chose to replace me -- blood of my blood, my son Flavio," said the avatar.

In a response from his lawyers to the court, Jair Bolsonaro said he "did not authorize the use of his image and voice for the production of the artificial intelligence-generated video."

However, he said he had never objected to his children using his image for political activities, due to the "natural bond of trust between father and children."

Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes said authorizing the video could be a "serious violation" of the conditions of the former president's house arrest.

Moraes warned that Flavio Bolsonaro may have violated Brazil's electoral laws which prohibit the use of deepfakes to harm or favor a candidacy, even with authorization.

The justice said that using Jair Bolsonaro's image could mislead voters into thinking he is participating in the electoral campaign, which would "constitute a clear instance of electoral disinformation."

Jair Bolsonaro, 71, served several months in prison before being allowed in March to be confined under house arrest due to health issues.

He is not allowed to use social media, mobile phones or make public statements.

On July 13, the Supreme Court barred Flavio Bolsonaro from visiting his father until after the first round of the election, after he read out a handwritten letter from Jair Bolsonaro on social media.

Flavio Bolsonaro is the main rival to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in office.

B.Brunner--NZN