Brandenburg’s Science Minister Targeted with AI Deepfake Amid University Funding Debate
Brandenburg’s Science Minister Manja Schüle (SPD) was the target of a digitally fabricated image circulated by the Left party (Die Linke) on Instagram, sparking criticism and raising concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in political discourse. The incident occurred during a debate surrounding a fresh higher education law and substantial investment in Brandenburg’s university system, particularly from the Hasso Plattner Foundation.
AI-Generated Image and Subsequent Backlash
The Left party posted an image on Instagram depicting Hasso Plattner, the co-founder of SAP, embracing Manja Schüle. The post, labeled “Plattner’s University,” was intended as criticism of Schüle’s perceived accommodation to Plattner’s influence. However, the image was created using artificial intelligence and never actually occurred. The post was subsequently deleted after being flagged by the SPD.
Kurt Fischer, the General Secretary of the Brandenburg SPD, strongly condemned the post, stating that the Left party must be careful to avoid “substandard” public relations tactics. He further criticized the post as utilizing “sexist prejudices” and being a “cross-border AI montage.”
Investment in Brandenburg’s Higher Education System
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of significant investment in Brandenburg’s higher education infrastructure. The University of Potsdam is set to receive a new campus on the Brauhausberg, and the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) will undergo a substantial expansion at Griebnitzsee. These developments are based on a Letter of Intent signed between the State of Brandenburg, the University of Potsdam, and the Hasso Plattner Foundation.
According to Minister-President Dr. Dietmar Woidke, the expansion of the HPI and its collaboration with the University of Potsdam aim to position Brandenburg at the forefront of developments in artificial intelligence. The new university campus is intended to set international standards for modern research, and teaching. University of Potsdam
Manja Schüle’s Recognition and Political Future
Manja Schüle, who has served as Brandenburg’s Culture and Science Minister since 2019, was recently recognized as the “Science Minister of the Year” in a survey conducted by the German University Association (DHV). She received 2222 votes from DHV members. Tagesspiegel Schüle expressed gratitude for the award, emphasizing its importance in defending academic freedom.
Schüle is also considered a potential candidate to succeed Brandenburg’s Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD).
Left Party’s Response
Stefan Wollenberg, the state manager of the Brandenburg Left, acknowledged that an old photo of Schüle was used and then manipulated with AI to create the image of Plattner embracing her. He admitted that the post did not align with the party’s political principles and was subsequently removed.