Former Israeli PM Ehud Barak Proposes Social Media Ban Before Elections

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has proposed a radical measure to safeguard upcoming elections, scheduled for October 27, suggesting a 72-hour restriction on social media platforms in the final days before voting. Speaking on Channel 12 news, Barak expressed concerns over the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated political manipulation, particularly the potential for fabricated videos to influence voters during the critical pre-election period.

Barak emphasized the need for proactive agreements with platforms like Instagram, stating that the Central Elections Committee must coordinate with them. He rejected the idea of merely removing viral content after its spread, advocating instead for a demand that these companies "close these channels" on behalf of the State of Israel for the final three days of the campaign.

This proposal shifts the debate on combating deepfakes from content moderation to a temporary platform shutdown. The suggestion raises significant questions about balancing freedom of speech, the regulation of tech companies, and the protection of democratic processes. The initiative highlights the challenge authorities face in verifying and responding to AI-generated content in the crucial hours before an election.