TLDR:
- Experts warn about the dangers of deepfakes in the 2024 elections
- AI technology can create convincing fake content that could influence voters
Deepfakes raise alarm about AI in elections
Experts, officials, and observers are expressing concerns about deepfakes and their potential impact on the upcoming 2024 elections. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier to create and spread synthetic content that could lead to disinformation and confusion among voters. The advanced technology, capable of generating images, audio, and videos, is rapidly evolving, posing a significant challenge for scholars and lawmakers.
Last week, in Arizona, a local newsletter released an AI-generated deepfake video of a Senate candidate to showcase how realistic these manipulations can be. Lawmakers in Georgia have also advocated for legislation to prohibit deepfakes in political communications, emphasizing the need to address the threat posed by AI to the election system.
The increasing difficulty for voters to discern between authentic and synthetic content has raised concerns about the potential misuse of deepfakes to influence election outcomes. While some argue that AI technology could benefit campaigns in crafting messaging and content, others highlight the risks it poses in spreading misinformation and voter suppression tactics.
Activists and policymakers are taking steps to address the challenges of deepfakes, promoting digital literacy and advocating for legislation to combat the use of AI in elections. Despite the alarming implications of deepfakes, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining trust in the integrity of the election process and encourage voters to seek information from reliable sources before casting their ballots.