Posted 1/1/2024, 2:18:53 PM
Putin's New Year's Eve Appearance Spurs Deepfake Speculation Online
- Putin's appearance in annual New Year's Eve speech sparked speculation on social media about whether it was AI-generated or manipulated
- Comments focused on his neck area looking unnatural, suggesting either lazy green screen work or a deepfake
- Speech followed tradition started by Soviet leaders, meant to reach all of Russia's time zones
- Putin addressed unity, national interests, freedom, security, and values but did not mention Ukraine war directly
- Speculation comes amid Putin's bid to extend his rule until 2036 in March election he is expected to win