Вересень 10, 2024
Mariya Frey: “Wars Are Often the Result of Battles Fought Long Before Them in the Information Space”
Mariya Frey, a Member of the Managing Board of Suspilne Ukraine in charge of news and regional broadcasting, participated online in the REAIM summit dedicated to the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the military field, which took place on 9–10 September in Seoul.
The discussion focused on how artificial intelligence is changing warfare and military operations, what it means for civilians affected by conflict, as well as for international humanitarian law.
In her speech, Mariya Frey talked about how AI technologies are impacting the lives of Ukrainians amidst daily shelling and what is happening in the media environment.
“Wars are often the result of battles fought long before them in the information space. With the development of artificial intelligence, the stakes in these battles are higher than ever, and their consequences in the real world are devastatingly fast,” said Mariya Frey.
The saturation of the information field with multiple versions of events, false facts, and pseudo-expert opinions, the amplification of false narratives, the undermining of trust in official sources through deepfakes, and the imitation of reliable news sources are technologies that sow distrust, panic, and divide society.
“The Ukrainian and international audiences faced a flood of disinformation significantly manipulated by artificial intelligence tools. The effects are not limited to perception alone; they result in real harm — both on the battlefield and in the minds of millions,” Mariya Frey noted.
People from frontline and occupied territories have become particularly vulnerable to such manipulations, and the pollution of the information space discourages many from seeking the truth.
“There is such a flood of conflicting versions of events, false facts, and pseudo-expert opinions that people stop searching for the truth altogether. For instance, Russian Telegram channels, posing as official Ukrainian sources, spread false information to create confusion. AI-generated content, such as prayer images asking for blessings for Ukrainian soldiers, is circulated in Facebook groups not to inspire prayer, but to pollute the information space,” Mariya Frey explained.
Suspilne Ukraine teams prioritize audience trust, aim to help people make the right decisions, find safety, loved ones, or assistance in crisis situations. They also have experience using AI tools in their daily work.
“Artificial intelligence can also be a tool for good,” Mariya Frey is convinced. “We see the growth of AI systems that can detect deepfakes, flag fake accounts, and identify disinformation before it spreads. In our company, we use AI tools to search for Russian soldiers who have committed war crimes, and international prosecutors use this information. AI can help us counter the very harm it creates — if we use it wisely.”
The two-day international summit in Korea brought together representatives from over 90 countries. Mariya Frey's participation in the conference was supported by the international organization CDAC, which aims to protect civilians in armed conflicts.
The CDAC network highlights the importance of information channels during crises and conflicts, supports media and journalists, and protects communication channels to help civilians make informed decisions. Currently, members of the organization are exploring how AI technologies can enhance engagement with civilians, combat disinformation, and improve the effectiveness of aid.
Suspilne Ukraine is an independent media company with a strong coverage across all platforms: Pershyi, Suspilne Kultura, Suspilne Sport TV channels and a national network of regional channels; Ukrainske Radio, Radio Promin, Radio Kultura, Radiotochka radio stations. Read only verified news on the suspilne.media website, national and local digital platforms. We are broadcasting in the languages of national communities, representing Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest, developing the children’s resource Brobaks and teaching the media community at the Public Media Academy. We have Suspilne Mediateka which is a platform of unique video and audio of Suspilne from the 1950s until today. We’re defending freedoms in Ukraine.