The Mayor of Gloucester criticises ‘online stunts’ after a fake, AI-generated video was published amid a row over the city’s finances.
The video, reportedly made by Gloucester City Council councillor Alastair Chambers, appeared to show Mayor Ashley Bowkett saying he would not allow councillors to investigate the ‘missing £8m’ before laughing.
The incident occurred following a disagreement over when to hold a meeting to discuss the council’s finances.
‘Unfortunately, an AI-generated video and other online material have led a fair number of people to believe that I refused a public debate. That is simply untrue and is contradicted by the written correspondence between myself and group leaders, some of which was unbecoming of anyone elected to public office,’ said Mayor Bowkett.
‘I am always willing to respond to reasoned argument and honest disagreement, but I will not be swayed by veiled threats, online stunts or fabricated versions of events.’
Check out: 10 Ways Councils Are Using AI to Transform Public Services.
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