In an era where the line between reality and digital illusion is becoming increasingly blurred, Greece is attempting to fortify its democratic process and position itself on the global map of innovation. Yiannis Mastrogeorgiou, Special Secretary for Strategic Foresight, in a revealing interview with ProtoThema, outlines the future of Artificial Intelligence in our country, focusing on the challenges of deepfakes and the landmark initiative of the AI Factory 'Pharos'.
The Threat of Deepfakes: Eroding Political Trust
As we navigate through 2026, deepfake technology has reached levels of sophistication that make it nearly impossible for the average citizen to distinguish an authentic video from an AI-generated product. Mr. Mastrogeorgiou emphasizes that the danger to electoral processes is no longer theoretical. The ability to forge the voice or image of a political leader just hours before the polls can cause irreparable damage to the public sphere.
According to the Special Secretary, addressing this phenomenon requires a three-pronged approach: technological detection tools, a strict legislative framework —aligned with the European AI Act— and, most importantly, citizen education. 'Digital resilience' is the new social contract. This is not merely a technical challenge but an existential threat to the transparency and truth that underpin parliamentarianism.
'Pharos': The Greek AI Factory and the 'Daedalus' Supercomputer
Greece's response to the need for technological autonomy is named 'Pharos'. The Greek AI Factory is not just a research center but a comprehensive infrastructure that aspires to make the country a hub for data processing and AI model development for Southeastern Europe. A central role in this ecosystem is played by the 'Daedalus' supercomputer, which provides the necessary computational power to train Large Language Models (LLMs) using Greek data.
Mr. Mastrogeorgiou explains that the creation of 'Pharos' aims to avoid dependence on tech giants from the US and China. The ability to develop our own AI models, tailored to the specificities of the Greek language and the local cultural context, is a matter of national sovereignty. The AI Factory will act as an accelerator for startups and the academic community, offering access to resources that were previously out of reach.
The Two Major Risks: Disinformation and Social Inequality
Beyond deepfakes, Yiannis Mastrogeorgiou identifies two structural risks accompanying the spread of Artificial Intelligence. The first concerns mass disinformation, which can lead to social polarization and destabilization. The speed at which false content spreads via social media algorithms creates 'echo chambers' where logic retreats in the face of emotion and bias.
The second risk concerns the widening of social and economic inequalities. If access to AI remains a privilege for the few, then the gap between those who possess the technology and those who merely consume it will become unbridgeable. This applies to both individuals and nations. The 'Pharos' strategy aims precisely to democratize access to technology, ensuring that the Greek economy and society emerge as winners from this transition.
Strategic Planning and the Future
The Special Secretariat for Strategic Foresight is working on scenarios for 2030 and 2035. Artificial Intelligence is not a passing trend but the engine of the fourth industrial revolution. Mr. Mastrogeorgiou stresses that Greece must be a 'shaper' and not just a 'follower'. Investing in the skills (upskilling and reskilling) of the workforce is the only way to safeguard against the changes automation brings to the labor market.
In conclusion, Yiannis Mastrogeorgiou's interview highlights a Greece that, despite the challenges, possesses the vision and tools to play a leading role. 'Pharos' not only lights the way for technological development but also warns of the pitfalls of the digital age, demanding vigilance from both the state and its citizens.
