An AI-generated music video parodying Ontario Premier Doug Ford's private jet scandal is going viral, highlighting the new frontier of political warfare.
The video, called 'The Gravy Plane,' features a LEGO-style Doug Ford and a catchy country tune. It was created by Alex Hout, a Canadian ex-pat living in Switzerland, who spent a week and a few hundred dollars on AI tools to produce it.
Hout was not hired by any political party, but his work has gained the attention of Ontario political leaders, including NDP leader Marit Stiles.
Experts say this democratizes political messaging but also raises risks. While the 'Gravy Plane' is clearly satire, a recent deepfake showed Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow saying things she never said, prompting calls for regulation.
The Ontario Liberals proposed a bill against malicious AI content, but it was rejected by the Progressive Conservatives, leaving no official rules on the use of AI in politics.