Artificial news, but not fake

The nameless male AI anchor – a computer-generated image with a synthesised voice and facial expressions – was jointly developed by the state-run news agency and Sogou, a leading Chinese search engine operator. 
His voice and appearance are modelled on Zhang Zhou, one of Xinhua’s anchors. The rendering is still clearly synthetic – the voice doesn’t sound natural and the body movement is a little clunky – but it is a very impressive starting point for this initiative. We can only assume that the more obviously “artificial” elements of the AI anchor will become less apparent over time as the technology improves.
What makes the innovation interesting is how it continuously uses AI to learn from live broadcast news and improve its delivery. Moreover, it is able to deliver the news 24/7 through its own dedicated microsite. The AI is already active – in Chinese and English – via Xinhua’s digital channels, Internet, web TV, apps and on social networks such as WeChat.
On the upside, the development can make news more engaging and accessible, especially for people who may prefer to watch or listen to content rather than read it. This also important to satisfy younger generations, who generally demand more visual content.
The technology also offers significant potential for a wide range of businesses, especially for developing new forms of customer service. It provides a more engaging way to connect with people and solve their problems than we can currently offer with chatbots. It should also be a cost-effective measure, which will help improve the bottom line.
On the downside, the development and implementation of AI hosts and other personalities needs to be managed very carefully to avoid a number of ethical problems. First, the technology should be used to add more value for consumers and audiences, rather than to deskill journalism. Second, measures need to be put in place to ensure people interacting with AI avatars know they are not real people. This may not be a problem today, as the AI anchors are clearly artificial, but once the technology is refined, it will be crucial for people to be aware that they are engaging with an algorithm and not a living and breathing person.
For now, despite society’s fears about the rise of the AI machines, we can simply enjoy the spectacle Xinhua and Sogou have created – and welcome the imitations this innovation will inspire.

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