AI Election Era Sees Widespread Disinformation, Survey Finds

A new survey by the Israel Internet Association ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections reveals significant public concern over online manipulation and disinformation. Nearly 71% of respondents reported encountering false information related to the election campaign, with only 15% stating they had not seen any.

Furthermore, 69% of the public fear an escalation of online violence during the election period. The survey also highlighted the prevalence of impersonation, with 56.8% encountering fake or impersonating accounts, and a substantial portion, 48.2%, reporting frequent or occasional exposure to the malicious use of artificial intelligence to harm or defame individuals.

The findings suggest that impersonation, disinformation, and harmful AI use are current realities that could significantly impact the upcoming elections. The Israel Internet Association has released a guide to help the public navigate false information, emphasizing the need to verify sources, cross-reference information, and critically evaluate content.

While AI tools can aid in comparing political stances, the association cautions against relying on them for decision-making, as they can be inaccurate or biased. The guide recommends using AI for research and comparison, urging users to check original sources and form their own conclusions.

The survey, conducted in July 2026 by Geocartography among 1,005 internet users aged 18 and over, also identified demographic differences in exposure to disinformation. Men reported higher exposure than women, and Jewish respondents reported higher exposure than Arab respondents. However, exposure to disinformation crossed political lines, with similar percentages reported by those identifying with the right, center, and left.