We live in an age where the truth, indeed, the news, can be altered. Fake news is trumping real news and is set to be even more prevalent as AI takes hold.

Virtual reality, indeed virtual insanity, is here. Only weeks ago, a video purporting to be that of the Governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Richard Byles, had to be debunked. What was perturbing, however, was that it looked and sounded real.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and fake news will now be a factor in political election campaigns. We will all have to be more discerning.

We now live in a time where we can no longer place our full faith in what we see and what we hear because it can be digitally altered, weaponised or altered to give a specific impression.

What will matter going forward is not the information disseminated, but the reputation of the broadcaster, the platform, and the organisation. Can one immediately deduce that what is being said is fake? Can that person be taken at their word?

Last month, a video did the rounds with Sandals Resorts chairman Adam Stewart proclaiming that his new company, Stewart Capital, could make great returns. Initially, people bought into it, but it was discovered to be a fake. It did look like a fake, but in time, the technology will make the lie look more convincing.

The deleterious effect of fake news and AI bulletins will have an insidious impact not only in Jamaica but across the world. Greater efforts must be made to curtail this, and strong regulations must be put in place.

On Sunday (August 10), Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton at the JLP mass rally in Half-Way Tree played a sound bite in the likeness of People’s National Party (PNP) stalwart KD Knight saying, “ That Mark Golding must never become prime minister of Jamaica.”

That statement raised eyebrows given the fact that Mark Golding is the leader of the PNP and if the party were to win next month’s general election, will become prime minister-elect of Jamaica.

Tufton lobbed a political grenade, and it did hit its mark. Now, the eminent attorney KDKnight says that it is not he speaking and is threatening legal action.

Was that really KD Knight’s voice denouncing his party leader and saying Mark Golding’s political ambitions should never be realised in such strident tones?

Full statement from KD Knight:

“The audio recording played by Dr. Christopher Tufton at (Sunday’s) Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) rally is a malicious fabrication. I categorically state that I have never at any time, in any forum, or under any circumstances made statements suggesting Mark Golding is unfit to be prime minister. The recording is clearly altered, and the words are a deliberate concoction designed to deceive the public and tarnish my reputation.

This is a desperate and reckless act of political sabotage by the JLP. Dr Tufton’s decision to broadcast this fraudulent audio exemplifies the depths to which they will sink to mislead voters. Such tactics are not only unethical but potentially criminal.

Let me be unequivocal: The recording is a lie. Every syllable attributed to me re: Mark Golding’s unsuitability to be prime minister is a lie. This is not mere political gamesmanship; it is a deliberate assault on truth and democratic integrity.

I have instructed my attorneys to pursue immediate legal action against the Jamaica Labour Party, Dr Christopher Tufton, and all parties involved in the creation and dissemination of this defamatory material. I will seek the fullest redress in law for this calculated attempt to manipulate public opinion and damage my credibility.

The people of Jamaica deserve better than these underhanded tactics. I stand firmly behind Mark Golding’s leadership and vision for our nation. Do not be fooled by these lies. Reject this deception, and reject the JLP’s contempt for the truth. By now, they must have packed their bags. Time come for them to go!”