Deepfake Concerns Mount as AI Threatens 2024 Presidential Election
The potential consequences of deepfakes, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 presidential election, have raised alarm among experts and activists. Public Citizen activist Robert Weissman recently discussed the nightmare scenario of a deepfake video circulating on major social media platforms, capable of swinging the election in favor of a candidate through false and damaging content.
Weissman highlighted the rapid advancements in AI technology, particularly in audio manipulation, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and deepfake content. The potential impact of such a video, depicting a presidential candidate making disparaging remarks about various groups, could be catastrophic for the election’s outcome.
This concern is not unfounded, as a similar incident occurred during the 2024 election cycle. A deepfake video falsely attributed statements to Vice President Kamala Harris, imitating her voice using an AI voice-cloning tool. The video gained significant attention before its satirical intent was clarified by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who shared it on his platform, X. The incident highlighted the potential for deepfakes to deceive and manipulate voters.
To address the growing threat of deepfakes, several states have passed legislation targeting deceptive and manipulated audio or visual content. These laws aim to protect candidates’ reputations and ensure transparency in the democratic process. However, federal action on this issue has been limited, prompting organizations like Public Citizen to petition the Federal Election Commission for regulations.
While concerns about foreign interference in elections persist, Weissman emphasized that domestic actors pose a significant threat. If deepfake videos or audios that deceive voters are allowed to circulate without consequences, it undermines the integrity of the democratic process. Weissman argued that such fraudulent content does not enjoy First Amendment protection and should be regulated at both the state and federal levels.
Social media companies and AI creation platforms have taken steps to safeguard elections by implementing policies promoting transparency, accuracy, and accountability. Platforms like Midjourney, YouTube, OpenAI, and Meta have prohibited the use of their tools for political campaigning and lobbying. They have also developed measures to detect and label AI-generated content, ensuring users can differentiate between real and manipulated media.
