Artificial intelligence strikes Polish-Ukrainian relations. "Do not spread harmful propaganda"

The information that recently circulated on social media that Ukraine had suspended the exhumation of victims of the Volhynian massacre on its territory turned out to be false. Artificial intelligence was used to create this lie - which also hit geneticists from Szczecin.

Recently, the Ukrainian side allowed exhumation work, which many commented on as a breakthrough in relations between our countries. In the research, which was conducted in the area where the village of Puźniki used to be, an important role was played by geneticists from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, led by Prof. Andrzej Ossowski. The remains of 42 victims were discovered. The geneticists were already thinking about further undertakings.

But a few days ago, an alleged statement by Professor Andrzej Ossowski appeared on the web, saying that the Ukrainian side had stopped the exhumations. This material was accompanied by a document that was supposedly signed by the Ukrainian Minister of Culture.

However, this is disinformation. Prof. Andrzej Ossowski's statement was prepared by artificial intelligence. The document is also untrue.

The scientist issued an official statement: "I am very concerned to inform you that recently a fake profile impersonating me and a fabricated statement about exhumation work conducted in Ukraine, which was generated using artificial intelligence tools, have appeared on the Internet. I declare that I am not the author of the content distributed on social media, and the narrative presented therein is completely untrue and manipulated. These actions violate my personal rights, undermine the reliability of the research conducted and may mislead the public opinion about the nature and purpose of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation in the identification of victims of conflicts and repression. I appeal to all recipients and media representatives to be particularly careful when commenting and disseminating unverified information. At the same time, I am taking appropriate steps to identify the perpetrators and remove false materials from the public space."

Ukrainian Culture Minister Mykola Tochytskyi also spoke: "Attention, fake news: I have not signed any document regarding the alleged suspension of work in the town of Sadowe (formerly Puźniki) in the Ternopil region. The Polish side has called this process a historic and diplomatic breakthrough. Do not spread harmful propaganda." ©℗

Alan Sasinowski