Virtual Anchors: A New Front in Venezuela’s News Warfare

El Pana, a virtual news anchor created using AI, is part of an initiative by Colombia-based Connectas to publish independent news in Venezuela while protecting real reporters from government crackdowns. This AI-driven solution aims to avoid the risks that come with reporting amid escalating repression and violence.

One of Venezuela's newest news anchors, dressed in a flannel shirt and chinos, delivers the day's headlines from a stool. He goes by "El Pana," Venezuelan slang for "friend." The catch? He's not real.

"El Pana" and his colleague "La Chama" are AI-generated figures created by the Colombia-based organization Connectas, spearheaded by director Carlos Huertas. The initiative, called "Operation Retweet," aims to publish news from a dozen independent media outlets in Venezuela while protecting reporters amid a government crackdown.

"We decided to use artificial intelligence to be the 'face' of the information we're publishing," Huertas said in an interview. The project is a mix of technology and journalism to circumvent government repression, especially as at least 10 journalists have been arrested since mid-June, according to Reporters Without Borders.

Venezuela's communications ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the AI initiative, nor have officials commented on the recent journalist arrests. Both opposition and President Nicolas Maduro claim victory in the July 28 elections, with ongoing protests resulting in at least 27 deaths and 2,400 arrests.

(With inputs from agencies.)