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Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has denied authorising the use of his image and voice in an artificial intelligence-generated video endorsing his son Flavio Bolsonaro’s presidential candidacy in the October elections.
The denial came after the Supreme Court demanded an explanation over the appearance of an AI-generated version of Bolsonaro in a campaign video released during Flavio Bolsonaro’s official launch event on Saturday.
The video featured a digital replica of the former president delivering a message of support for his son, despite Bolsonaro being barred from making public statements while serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest over allegations of plotting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 election.
“This is a simulation of my image and voice created using artificial intelligence. As everyone here knows, I am imprisoned and silenced by an unjust decision,” the AI-generated avatar said in the video.
The digital replica added: “I ask you to welcome with open arms the person I chose to replace me, blood of my blood, my son Flavio.”
In a response submitted to the court through his lawyers, Jair Bolsonaro said he “did not authorise the use of his image and voice for the production of the artificial intelligence-generated video.” However, the former president said he had not previously objected to his children using his image for political activities because of what he described as the “natural bond of trust between father and children.”
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said approval of the video by Bolsonaro could represent a “serious violation” of the restrictions imposed as part of his house arrest conditions.
Moraes also warned that Flavio Bolsonaro may have breached electoral regulations that prohibit the use of deepfake technology to influence voters or favour a candidate, even when consent is provided.
According to the justice, the use of Bolsonaro’s image could create the false impression that the former president was actively participating in the campaign, describing it as a potential case of electoral disinformation.
Jair Bolsonaro, 71, spent several months in prison before being moved to house arrest in March due to health concerns. His restrictions include a ban on social media use, mobile phones and public statements.
The Supreme Court had earlier restricted Flavio Bolsonaro’s access to his father after he shared a handwritten message from the former president online.
Flavio Bolsonaro is currently positioning himself as the main challenger to left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in office.
