In a recent speech at the “World Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth and Students” in Caracas, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro made controversial claims, accusing “artificial intelligence” of orchestrating a plot to overthrow his regime with the intent of establishing “colonial control over humanity.” This gathering, which included participants from around 70 countries, was framed by Maduro and attendees as a unified struggle against imperialism and fascism, portraying Venezuela as a nation in peace and striving for prosperity despite its economic crises. This rhetoric comes amidst the ongoing challenges faced by the Venezuelan population, including rampant shortages and political repression. Consequently, the event served as a platform for furthering Maduro’s narrative of resistance against perceived external threats, particularly from Western nations.
During the conference, Maduro articulated a perception that the Western world has developed advanced artificial intelligence to execute a “cyber-fascist coup” against humanity, suggesting these technologies constitute tools of imperialism. He elaborated on the sophistication of artificial intelligence by referring to the transition from basic to advanced forms, arguing that such technologies have been constructed using extensive data from diverse global cultures and societies. In stark terms, he declared that artificial intelligence is used for various forms of warfare, including cognitive manipulation and economic aggression, further framing the U.S. and its allies as perpetrators of this “technological imperialism.”
The dictator expressed an intention to establish an “anti-fascist training school” in Caracas, citing the need to unify training methods from countries he considers aligned with his ideology, such as China, Russia, and Cuba. This initiative seems aimed at reinforcing ideological education among allies and sympathizers of socialist movements across the globe. Additionally, Maduro is planning a “great world anti-fascist festival” in January to coincide with his swearing-in for a new term, suggesting a commitment to mobilizing leftist factions and advocating for solidarity in the face of Western discontent against socialist governance.
Despite his vehement opposition to artificial intelligence as a tool of Western control, Maduro paradoxically implemented AI technologies in his own media strategies. In 2023, he introduced “Sira,” an AI companion utilized in his television show, “With Maduro Plus,” that presents pro-regime narratives. This use of AI reflects the dictator’s efforts to navigate and manipulate modern communication methods, promoting a positive image of the regime domestically and internationally. In a disconcerting trend, reports surfaced indicating that the regime undertook the creation of “deepfake” news reports to further its propaganda, using AI generated content to project a misleading narrative about the country’s situation.
These AI-generated reports, which emerged in early 2023, drew the ire of various international observers and NGOs. They alleged that the content mimicked reputable news outlets and was presented on state-run television as legitimate journalism, hence crafting an illusion of favorable international sentiment towards the Maduro regime. This manipulation of technology raises severe ethical questions, especially highlighted by the experiences of British actor Dan Dewhirst, who found his likeness used in these deepfake reports without proper ethical considerations for consent or representation.
The duality of Maduro’s speech and actions exposes a critical contradiction within the socialist regime: while vehemently criticizing and demonizing artificial intelligence as a tool of oppression, the Venezuelan government actively engages in its use for propagandistic purposes. This represents a broader trend among authoritarian regimes leveraging advanced technologies to maintain power and shape public perceptions. Ultimately, Maduro’s claims underscore his attempt to construct an ideological framework that justifies his rule while appealing to anti-imperialist sentiments; however, they also serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in the intersection of technology, politics, and media in the contemporary world.
