AI Transforms Elections with Misinformation and Deepfakes

The current election period is marked by an unprecedented surge of information, including content generated by artificial intelligence (AI), which poses significant challenges to voters. Experts warn that AI can create convincing fake news, manipulate images and videos to depict events that never occurred, and impersonate credible sources to spread disinformation. This technology is being exploited by malicious actors, potentially including foreign entities, to amplify divisive rhetoric, sow distrust, and create a false impression of widespread support for certain narratives.

Experts emphasize the critical need for enhanced critical thinking skills to navigate this complex information landscape. Idan Ring, Vice President of Community and Society at the Israeli Internet Association, highlighted the dangers of AI-generated content, including false claims, out-of-context data, and outdated information presented as current. He cautioned against relying on AI chatbots like ChatGPT for election-related information, as their outputs may be inaccurate or incomplete, even when delivered confidently.

Ran Bar Zik, a lecturer at Ono Academic College, noted that AI makes it easier to create realistic fake news and to fabricate content, such as using footage from other global events and presenting it as Israeli. He also pointed out the use of AI by foreign actors to create fake online personas that exacerbate division and hatred on social media, with Iranian-linked profiles specifically mentioned as contributing to this phenomenon.

Tomer Avital, a co-founder of Transparency and Lobby 99, argued that AI has degraded political discourse, making it difficult for people to discern truth from falsehood, and enabling claims of fake news to be easily dismissed. He advocates for education in critical thinking from a young age, focusing on identifying reliable sources, distinguishing fact from opinion, and understanding framing and propaganda, rather than dictating beliefs.

Despite the risks, AI also offers potential benefits. Bar Zik mentioned that AI can aid political parties in data analysis and voter mobilization, while making election ads more engaging and facilitating the exposure of politicians' falsehoods. Avital pointed to positive civic initiatives like games that encourage voting and platform comparison websites. However, both experts suggest that the negative impacts on discourse currently outweigh the benefits.

The Central Elections Committee acknowledged the challenge of distinguishing reliable information from misleading content due to AI's ease of creating convincing material. A professional team is working to counter attempts to influence elections and is collaborating with platforms and the public on awareness campaigns. The committee stressed that official committee publications are the authoritative source for election information and advised voters to verify AI-generated answers against official data, noting that while AI can simplify complex information, its accuracy must be ensured for voters to make informed choices.