John Downing: French film that exposed wartime shame has chilling relevance for today's political climate
In 1944, French president Charles de Gaulle rejected the US and British idea that Paris did not have any great importance as a military target because, by then, World War II was well on its way to a decisive Allied victory. But for De Gaulle, a symbolic recapture of the French capital was central to retrieving the nation's traumatised soul after the shock German over-run in 1940.
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RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
In the age of AI, is doubt becoming a political strategy?
When video footage of French President Emmanuel Macron appearing to have an altercation with his wife Brigitte circulated online last week, the Élysée Palace initially suggested the footage could have been created using AI. The footage was later confirmed to be real. As references to AI become more common in political discourse, what happens when democratic governments begin using it to question the authenticity of real events? Last Sunday the Associated Press (AP) captured footage showing French President Emmanuel Macron stepping off a plane in Vietnam, followed closely by his wife, Brigitte Macron. As the doors open, she appears to push him in the face with both hands. In the video, President Macron looks momentarily startled, before quickly regaining his composure and waving out through the plane's open doorway. With Brigitte Macron mostly hidden by the plane, it's hard to know the full context or what preceded the push — but the clip still spread widely online. As the clip gained traction, journalists covering the president sought answers. According to a French political journalist who spoke to RTÉ, a senior adviser to President Macron initially suggested to reporters asking questions about the push that the video may have been AI-generated. The explanation was offered before any formal verification had taken place and, according to those briefed, was the first line of response to a potentially sensitive story. However, the Élysée Palace later acknowledged that the footage was genuine and described the incident as a private interaction between the couple. But this clarification only came after the AP published the video in its entirety, which ruled out the suggestion that it was generated using AI. The response from the senior adviser also came just weeks after Macron was the target of a viral disinformation campaign, in which he was falsely accused of handling a bag of cocaine during a diplomatic meeting, an incident that some suggest may have influenced their instinct to invoke AI as an explanation. While debate about the Vietnam plane video, and what may have prompted the push from Brigitte, has continued throughout the week, less attention has been paid to the early suggestion that AI might have been involved. That offhand remark, reported widely in the hours after the clip emerged, raises broader questions about how some democracies are beginning to invoke AI in moments of uncertainty, according to some experts. Dr Tetyana Lokot, an associate professor at Dublin City University who researches digital governance and state media strategies, says moments like this can erode trust in democratic institutions. "It's not just the deepfakes themselves that undermines people's trust in the media or in, political officials or leaders but also very often the shorthand is like, 'oh, this is a deepfake.' It becomes harder for people to distinguish between claims of credibility or how to verify something," Dr Lokot said. It also raises a tougher question, according to Dr Lokot. If a democratic government casts doubt on real footage, what happens when an authoritarian regime does the same, and people can't tell the difference? "It almost amplifies this effect of like 'we don't really know who to trust,' which I think is a much bigger problem. It basically undermines trust in the democratic process." Dr Lokot also notes that beyond questions of public trust, AI is increasingly being used not just as a threat to guard against, but as a way for governments to shape narratives and reassert a sense of control during moments of uncertainty. "When you have a situation where you don't feel like you're in control, which you could argue this was one such situation, you can fall back on the myth of AI as a very powerful technology that's very easily appropriated," Dr Lokot said. "The key concern [for governments] is: 'how do we make sure that we're in control?'" she added. Others say that while governments may reach for AI as a way to reassert control, sometimes it's just a sign of how wired we've become to question everything, especially when AI is involved. Claire Wardle, a professor at Cornell University in New York and a leading expert on misinformation, says the Macron case may also reflect a more instinctive response, a symptom of how easily doubt creeps in when AI is part of the conversation. "What I don't know about this... is did they [the Élysée Palace] know and they were trying to cover it up, or did they just go, 'oh, there's no way that she would appear like that, so it must be a deepfake,'" Ms Wardle said. "It's just a horrible reminder to advisers. Never say something is a deepfake until you know it's verified," Ms Wardle added. She adds that in a climate where trust in institutions is already at a low point, even a throwaway remark can deepen public suspicion. "We already know that we're in trouble here and people are not trusting politicians. They believe they're being lied to, which in some countries they increasingly are. This becomes just another way they can do it: by telling us it's a deepfake when it's not." Ms Wardle also says the confusion around the Macron clip taps into a deeper problem that researchers like her have been warning about for years — the risk that AI doesn't just create fake content, but also gives people cover to dismiss real events. "Photography came along and we were like, 'we can hold people accountable.' And then AI technology took that away. It's broken the foundations upon which we stand." And when those foundations crack, whether it's the French president having an altercation with his wife or something more mundane, Ms Wardle says the result can be the same: a sense that nothing can be trusted. "Whether it's frivolous Instagram posts, or it's French politicians, or war crimes. In a very short space of time, the foundation we've relied on to understand reality has disappeared. And that's what's so terrifying."
Irish Post
3 hours ago
- Irish Post
Gerry Adams says BBC 'out of sync' with Good Friday Agreement after being awarded €100,000 in libel case
FORMER Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said the BBC is 'out of sync' with the Good Friday Agreement after winning a libel case against the broadcaster. Mr Adams was awarded €100,000 (£84,000) by a jury after it found he had been defamed in a 2016 Spotlight programme and accompanying online article. Both had reported an anonymous source alleging that Mr Adams had sanctioned the 2006 killing of Denis Donaldson, four months after the former Sinn Féin member was revealed to be an informer for the police and MI5. The BBC said it was disappointed by verdict, while Mr Donaldson's daughter has called for a public inquiry into his murder. With the Spotlight programme having been viewed in Ireland, Adams' case was heard at the High Court in Dublin, with High Court libel cases in the state still using use a jury to determine a verdict. Speaking outside the court on Friday, the 76-year-old said his decision to take the case was about 'putting manners on the British Broadcasting Corporation'. Mr Adams was awarded €100,000 (Image: Charles McQuillan / Getty Images) "I know many, many journalists and I like to think that I get on well with most of them," he added. "I wish you well and I would uphold your right to do your job. "But the British Broadcasting Corporation upholds the ethos of the British state in Ireland and in my view, it's out of sync on many fronts with the Good Friday Agreement. "It hasn't caught on to where we are on this island as part of the continuing process of building peace, justice, harmony and — hopefully in the time ahead — unity." "I'm very mindful that this case could have been settled," he added. "The licence payers are going to pay for this. The BBC aren't using their own money, Spotlight aren't using their own money, it's the licence payers. "As [solicitor] Paul Tweed has said, this could have been sorted out a long time ago." The BBC reports that the legal bill for the case is believed to be between €3-5m. 'Important that we defend our journalism' Adam Smyth, Director of BBC Northern Ireland, said the broadcaster had made 'financial provision' for the case but warned the verdict could have 'profound' repercussions for journalism. "We are disappointed by this verdict," he said. "We believe we supplied extensive evidence to the court of the careful editorial process and journalistic diligence applied to this programme and accompanying online article. "Moreover, it was accepted by the court, and conceded by Gerry Adams' legal team, that the Spotlight broadcast and publication were of the highest public interest. "We didn't want to come to court, but it was important that we defend our journalism and we stand by that decision. "Our past is difficult terrain for any jury and we thank them for their diligence and careful consideration of the issues in this case. "The implications of their decision, though, are profound. Adam Smyth, Director of BBC Northern Ireland, speaking outside court (Image: Charles McQuillan / Getty Images) "As our legal team made clear, if the BBC's case cannot be won under existing Irish defamation law, it's hard to see how anyone's could. And they warned that today's decision could hinder freedom of expression. "Of course, a case of this importance, duration and complexity involves significant expense. In common with other media organisations the BBC has insurance and makes financial provision for ongoing and anticipated legal claims." Last year's Defamation (Amendment) Bill had sought to abolish juries in High Court defamation cases, potentially reducing the amount of damages awarded. It had lapsed when the last government was dissolved in November but was reintroduced by the current government and is currently at the Committee stage. The Standard reports that Mr Donaldson's daughter Jane said that by taking the defamation case, Adams had 'trivialised our family tragedy'. "The plaintiff prioritised his own financial and reputational interests over any regard for retraumatising my family," she said, as she called for a public inquiry into her father's murder. See More: BBC, Denis Donaldson, Gerry Adams, Spotlight
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Starmer ‘loses control' as over 1,000 migrants cross Channel in biggest daily total of 2025 – as French cops watch on
PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of "losing control" over illegal migration after more than 1,000 people crossed the Channel on small boats yesterday. French police watched on as scores of dinghies, filled with desperate men, women, and children seeking refuge in Britain, 6 More than 1,000 migrants made the treacherous journey across the English Channel yesterday Credit: Getty 6 French police watched on as scores of people, seeking refuge in Britain, packed onto overloaded dinghies Credit: Getty 6 Some small boats were seen escorted by French authorities as they left the northern coast of France Credit: PA With more than 1,000 making the dangerous journey, yesterday saw the highest daily number of migrant small boat crossings this year. An estimated 18 boats made their way across the Shadow home secretary British and French rescue services had to deploy 11 vessels and two aircraft yesterday to assist those making the often dangerous journey across the Channel. Read More on UK News Speaking yesterday, Mr Philp said: "This is a day of shame for the Labour Government. "Over 1,000 illegal immigrants in a single day, boats flooding the Channel, Border Force stretched beyond breaking point, and even fishing vessels drafted in because our maritime rescue services are overwhelmed. 'A nation reduced to chaos on the high seas while "Labour has completely lost control of our borders." Most read in The Sun Following yesterday's crossings, a total of 14,600 people have now traversed the English Channel on small boats this year, seeking a new home in Britain. That's around 30 per cent higher than the same time last year, and is the highest total for boat crossings in the first five months of a year since they began in 2018. Inside Calais camp where migrants pay thousands to be smuggled into UK It means 2025 could be on course to have the highest number of Channel crossings ever. Many of these illegal crossings are orchestrated by criminal gangs, leading to overcrowded and unsafe boats. Just this month, while trying to cross the Channel, while another . The International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is a UN agency, estimated at least 78 migrants died while making the crossing in 2024, making it the deadliest year on record. 6 A group of people thought to be migrants waiting on a beach in Gravelines, France, before making the perilous journey to Britain across the English Channel Credit: PA 6 More than 14,000 migrants have now crossed the English Channel illegally in 2025 Credit: PA 6 It is estimated that at least 225 migrants have lost their lives making the dangerous journey on overcrowded dinghies and small boats since 2018 Credit: Getty And, since 2018, at least 225 migrants have lost their lives making the dangerous journey to the UK, according to the IOM. The prime minister has pledged to "smash the gangs" and reduce the number of small boat crossings, but Philp said this promise was "in tatters". He added: "They scrapped the Rwanda deterrent before it even began, and now the boats won't stop coming. "So far, this is already the worst year on record. "Labour have failed on every front, and they should hang their heads in shame.' Last year, a total of 36,816 migrants illegally crossed the Channel in small boats, up from 29,437 in 2023. However, the highest year on record remains 2022, where 45,755 people made the treacherous journey to Britain. Labour's vow to 'smash the gangs' won't see Channel migrant numbers fall until NEXT YEAR, sources warn Labour's promise to "smash the gangs" will not see Channel migrant numbers fall until at least next year. Measures to break the route "up stream" by tackling smugglers and boat suppliers will take months to trickle down according to law enforcement sources. Ministers have been warned good weather this year is also contributing to a surge in crossings that are on course for a record year. The number of so called "red days" when the And intelligence monitoring of the Channel has indicated a rise in migrants from the Horn of Africa has seen riskier and larger crossings attempted. Those smugglers are cramming more people into boats, which is also pushing up the numbers. More than 13,000 people have already made the journey this year, putting 2025 on course to have the highest ever number of crossings, since records began in 2017. Government insiders are highly pessimistic about the prospect of reducing numbers this year. And they warn that policy changes and increase in enforcement measures not noticeably pay off until 2026 due to the high numbers of migrants already in France and ready to attempt the perilous journey. Speaking on the number of crossings yesterday, Defence Secretary John Healey criticised the previous Tory government for "losing control of the borders". "Truth is, Britain's lost control of its borders over the last five years, and the last government last year left an asylum system in chaos and record levels of immigration," Mr Healey told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips on Sky News. He added that it was "pretty shocking" seeing smugglers coming round "like a taxi" to pick people up and bring them to the UK while French police watched on. The defence secretary explained it was a "really big problem" that cops in France were unable to intervene to intercept boats in shallow waters. However, he said the government was pressing for authorities in France to put in new rules so that they could reduce the number of boats making the dangerous journey. Mr Healey explained: "They're not doing it, but, but for the first time for years, for the first time, we've got the level of cooperation needed. "We've got the agreement that they will change the way they work, and our concentration now is to push them to get that into operation so they can intercept these smugglers and stop these people in the boats, not just on the shore." Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said previously that gangs had been taking advantage of calmer weather days to try and make crossings. In an interview on the BBC's Sunday with 'We cannot continue like this, where the number of calm days affects the number of crossings.' Ms Cooper insisted 'only a coordinated international response' across the whole migration route could effectively end the reign of the people smugglers. She however admitted that the situation was unacceptable and could not continue.
