The article from Le Figaro explores a recent incident that raised concerns over the use of artificial intelligence by the White House to manipulate images. Specifically, the article details how an original photo of black activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, showing her calmly arrested, was digitally altered to depict her in a more distressing manner after the arrest. This alteration, which made her skin appear significantly darker and her expression more sorrowful, sparked debate about the ethical implications of using AI in political communications and media.

The incident involves Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, who initially shared the unaltered image of Armstrong. Shortly after, the White House released a modified version, which was strikingly different from the original. The alteration seemingly aimed to evoke sympathy or a particular narrative surrounding the activist's arrest. This case is highlighted as an example of how powerful AI tools can be misappropriated to create misleading representations, raising questions about the authenticity of images and the integrity of sources in the political arena.

The implications of this situation are substantial, especially in the context of increasing distrust in media and governance. As AI technology advances, the line between reality and manipulation becomes more blurred, potentially impacting public perception and the dissemination of information. The article calls for a critical examination of the ethical standards and accountability mechanisms surrounding the use of AI by governmental entities, emphasizing the need for transparency to maintain public trust.