Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Muthoni Passaris has highlighted the growing risks of digital manipulation, warning that advances in artificial intelligence are making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between reality and fabrication.
In a statement issued to mark Data Protection Day, Passaris pointed to an image demonstrating how easily content can be altered. She explained that while one version of the image is real, another was generated using artificial intelligence, underscoring how deceptive digital content has become in today’s online environment.
According to Passaris, the rapid evolution of AI means that visual evidence can no longer be taken at face value. She cautioned that in 2026, “seeing is no longer believing,” urging the public to remain vigilant and always verify information before sharing it.
The legislator stressed that issues such as data protection, digital ethics, and responsible data use are no longer niche technology concerns. Instead, she said, they directly affect real people by exposing them to risks such as misinformation, identity theft, reputational damage, and other forms of digital harm.
Passaris also emphasized the need to strengthen cyber laws, including Kenya’s cybercrime and data protection frameworks, noting that robust legal safeguards are essential in addressing the misuse of digital tools and emerging technologies.
She concluded by calling on individuals, institutions, and policymakers to take data protection seriously, reminding Kenyans that responsible sharing and ethical use of technology are critical to safeguarding privacy and trust in the digital age.
