OpinionGenerative AI: The destructive power and opportunities in the geopolitical arena
Opinion
Generative AI: The destructive power and opportunities in the geopolitical arena
"Generative AI presents Israel with complex challenges. Yet, it also holds the potential to safeguard our values, history, and national security," writes Shiran Mlamdovsky Somech, the founder and CEO of Generative AI for Good.
Introduction: Rewriting History at the Push of a Button
"Who controls the past controls the future; who controls the present controls the past." – George Orwell's 1984 feels more realistic than ever today.
Imagine being able to rewrite history with the press of a button. What if every event, fact, or historical figure could be altered in an instant? And what if this power was available to anyone, anywhere in the world?
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hiran Mlamdovsky Somech, the founder and CEO of Generative AI for Good
(Photo: May Sabir
)
In the advanced digital age, Generative AI is transforming how we access, create, and consume information. Technologies like ChatGPT and Runway can generate texts, images, and videos that imitate reality so closely they blur the line between truth and fiction. This immense power, however, brings with it serious risks, creating geopolitical challenges—especially for Israel, which is currently engaged in a multi-front war and facing a surge of antisemitism.
Disinformation: A New Weapon in the Digital Era
Today, the ability to produce misleading information at scale offers unprecedented opportunities for manipulation, particularly in digital media and social networks. State and non-state actors alike are using AI to shape narratives and destabilize political landscapes. These disinformation campaigns present a tangible threat, fueling the rise of antisemitism and extremist views across the globe.
A recent OpenAI report highlights the dangers of AI-driven disinformation. Since the start of this year, over 20 influence operations have been exposed where foreign actors exploited AI technologies to create fake content targeting elections and democracies worldwide, including Israel. Countries like Iran, Russia, and China use AI to spread propaganda, incite hatred, and distort political realities—posing a direct threat to Israel’s existence and security.
A report from UNESCO, in collaboration with the World Jewish Congress, warns that Generative AI is jeopardizing the preservation of Holocaust memory and other critical historical events. The report identifies three primary challenges: the rapid creation and spread of fake content by malicious actors, the scarcity of reliable and accessible official sources, and the oversimplification of complex historical issues. These factors distort historical memory, especially among the younger generation, which depends on AI-based tools for knowledge and information. This raises pressing questions about the accuracy and reliability of information and its influence on public opinion.
For Israel, at the heart of a turbulent geopolitical landscape, disinformation and the spread of harmful narratives are existential threats. Regional adversaries aim to undermine the country’s political and social stability, damage its international standing, and challenge its right to exist. This crisis requires immediate action. Israel’s advanced technological capabilities, including its expertise in Generative AI, offer a critical tool for countering these narratives and bolstering national security.
Strategic Imperatives for National Security
In the digital battlefield, Generative AI is both a shield and a sword for Israel. It enables the country to combat the spread of disinformation propagated by authoritarian regimes and enemies of democracy, often referred to as the "Axis of Evil." As the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel plays a strategic role not only regionally but globally. By leveraging its cutting-edge technological expertise, Israel leads the fight to safeguard freedom and uphold democratic values worldwide.
When used wisely, technology can be a powerful tool to counter disinformation and incitement against Israel, generate positive narratives, and enhance the monitoring of hostile content across social media. AI can also be deployed to identify and monitor cyberattacks, track the spread of hate speech, and deliver educational content that strengthens Israel's digital presence and combats antisemitism.
To navigate the dangers and opportunities posed by Generative AI, Israel must adopt innovative strategies that ensure its survival and security. A balanced approach that integrates technological development, the creation of a robust ecosystem, and global cooperation is the only way to guarantee that this technology benefits society.
Israel's Democratic Role in the Modern Era
Israel's unique position as a democracy in the Middle East makes it a model for international cooperation with other democratic nations. Its experience in addressing security and cognitive threats, alongside its advancements in AI, enables Israel to lead in defending democratic values in this digital age.
The solution begins with fostering cooperation between governments, international organizations, technology companies, academic institutions, and civil society. We must develop comprehensive responses to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, including implementing regulations. Investments should focus on advanced AI technologies capable of detecting and flagging fake or misleading content, as well as tools to protect democratic processes. Educational programs that raise awareness of disinformation and teach critical information consumption must also be developed—both for short- and long-term impact.
Generative AI presents Israel with complex challenges. Yet, it also holds the potential to safeguard our values, history, and national security. Israel has the opportunity not only to survive but to lead the world in using advanced technologies to craft positive narratives and secure its future.
Shiran Mlamdovsky Somech is the founder and CEO of the innovation and strategy company Generative AI for Good.
