AI Anchors Rise in Venezuela Amid Crackdown on Journalists

Digital Creations Deliver the News

In Venezuela, the newest faces of news aren’t human—they’re digital creations. Sitting on a stool, dressed casually in a flannel shirt and chinos, “El Pana” delivers the day’s headlines with the relaxed demeanor of a friend. The name “El Pana” is Venezuelan slang for “friend,” reflecting the approachable image he projects. Alongside him is “La Chama,” translating to “The Girl,” who shares the screen in this innovative approach to news delivery.

AI Anchors Protect Journalists

But neither El Pana nor La Chama are real people. These news anchors are the product of artificial intelligence, designed to look, sound, and move with a striking resemblance to their human counterparts. Their creation is part of an initiative called “Operation Retweet,” spearheaded by Connectas, a Colombia-based organization led by director Carlos Huertas. The project aims to disseminate news from a dozen independent media outlets within Venezuela while shielding reporters from the government’s intensifying crackdown on journalists and protesters.

Technological Shield Against Repression

“We decided to use artificial intelligence to be the ‘face’ of the information we’re publishing,” Huertas explained in an interview. “Our colleagues still out doing their jobs face much more risk.” The move is a technological advancement and a protective measure designed to reduce the dangers journalists face in an increasingly hostile environment.

Journalist Arrests Escalate

Since mid-June, at least ten journalists have been arrested, with eight still imprisoned on charges ranging from terrorism to incitement, according to Reporters Without Borders. The arrests are part of a broader government strategy to silence dissent following a contentious election. “Here, using artificial intelligence is almost like a mix between technology and journalism,” Huertas added, describing the project as a way to “circumvent the persecution and increasing repression” from the government. Using AI, Connectas ensures that no individuals can be targeted or arrested for reporting the news.

Election Dispute Fuels Crackdown

The country’s opposition and various human rights groups have condemned the recent arrests of journalists, protesters, and opposition figures, viewing them as part of a broader government crackdown intended to suppress a month-long dispute over the recent election results. Both the opposition and President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in the July 28 election, which has only fueled the ongoing unrest.

Election Dispute and Government Response

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, enjoys the support of the Supreme Court and the electoral authority, which has yet to release complete vote tallies, citing a cyber-attack as the reason for the delay. The opposition, however, has published what it claims to be over 80% of the vote tallies, showing a decisive win for its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez. International observers and several Western nations have criticized the election process as unfair, calling for the release of the complete vote counts.

Protests and Repression

The aftermath of the election has been turbulent, with protests leading to at least 27 deaths and over 2,400 arrests. The government’s “Operation Knock Knock” has seen the continued detention of opposition figures and protesters, further escalating tensions. Maduro and his administration have labeled the protesters as fascists, accusing them of inciting violence with the backing of countries like the United States—a claim that Washington has firmly denied.

A New Era for Journalism in Venezuela

As Venezuela remains mired in political chaos, the use of AI in journalism could signal a new era where technology becomes a shield for free speech in the face of repression. The country’s communications ministry has yet to comment on the AI journalism initiative, and officials have remained silent on the recent wave of journalist arrests despite repeated inquiries from Reuters.

In this complex and dangerous landscape, El Pana and La Chama represent more than just digital avatars—they embody resilience and innovation in the fight for truth in Venezuela.