Minister raises the alarm over deepfake videos targeting public officials

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has raised concerns over the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos that portray public officials in compromising and false scenarios.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a courtesy visit by the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, Idris stressed that while AI offers numerous benefits, its misuse particularly in fabricating deceptive content poses a serious threat to public trust and individual reputations.

According to a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister highlighted the increasing trend of digitally manipulated videos that falsely depict officials in scandalous situations, noting the emotional and reputational harm such content inflicts on individuals and their families.

“As a government, we are looking at that seriously, especially how to sanitise the social media space without gagging the freedom of expression,” Idris said.

He revealed that the Federal Government is working with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to address the issue, part of a global effort to tackle misinformation and uphold ethical standards in the digital age.

“For us at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, we take the issue of misinformation and fake news very seriously and we want to call on you to help us and collaborate with us towards eradicating quacks within this profession and not only that but encouraging citizen journalists and the general public to write and publish only what they know is correct,” the minister stated.

According to the minister, UNESCO has already received input from over 100 countries and more than 10,000 contributors as it formulates guidelines for digital content creators.

These efforts aim to protect the integrity of information and promote responsible communication.

Idris called on the NUJ to support the fight against misinformation and urged media professionals to uphold journalistic standards. He also revealed plans for the establishment of a UNESCO-approved Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Nigeria.

The institute, the first of its kind globally, will train journalists, students, and the public to critically assess digital content and combat disinformation.

The NUJ President, in his remarks, applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing a media professional to head the Information Ministry.

He pledged the union’s support in promoting the government’s achievements and informed the Minister of the NUJ’s 70th anniversary celebrations, where Idris is expected to serve as Chief Host.

The minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to press freedom, describing it as essential to the nation’s democratic growth.