The 2024 election is fast approaching, and with it comes a new wave of technological advancements that could potentially disrupt the democratic process. A-list celebrities are joining forces to raise awareness about the alarming rise of AI-generated deepfakes and their potential to influence voters.
Deepfakes: A New Threat to Election Integrity
The issue of misinformation during elections is not new, but the emergence of deepfakes adds a dangerous layer of deception. Deepfakes are videos, audio recordings, or images manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) to depict events or statements that never actually occurred.
Celebrities rally against deepfakes
In the realm of elections, deepfakes have the potential to:
- Spread False Information: Deepfakes can be used to create fabricated videos of candidates making inflammatory statements, endorsing controversial views, or engaging in unethical behavior, potentially swaying public opinion.
- Undermine Trust: The proliferation of deepfakes can erode trust in legitimate news sources and government institutions as voters struggle to discern what is real and what is fabricated.
- Suppress Voter Turnout: Malicious actors could use deepfakes to spread disinformation about voting procedures, locations, or deadlines, leading to confusion and potentially discouraging people from voting.
A-Listers Take a Stand Against Election Interference
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, prominent figures in Hollywood, including Amy Schumer, Michael Douglas, Rosario Dawson, Zach Braff, Laura Dern, and Jonathan Scott, have joined forces with RepresentUs, a nonpartisan pro-democracy organization, to launch a public service announcement (PSA) campaign aimed at educating voters about the threat of deepfakes.
RepresentUs logo
The PSA, released across various platforms, including YouTube, highlights the chilling ease with which deepfakes can be created and disseminated.
A Wake-Up Call: The 2023 New Hampshire Primary Deepfake Incident
The PSA campaign comes on the heels of a concerning incident during the 2023 New Hampshire Primary, where an AI-generated deepfake audio of President Biden was used in robocalls targeting 50,000 Democratic voters. The calls falsely claimed that the date of the primary had been changed.
Deepfakes raise concerns for the future of elections
While the perpetrator of the New Hampshire incident was apprehended and charged, it served as a stark warning about the potential for deepfakes to disrupt elections and disenfranchise voters.
Experts Urge Vigilance and Critical Thinking
As AI technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, discerning real content from deepfakes is becoming increasingly challenging. Election security experts emphasize the importance of:
- Verifying Information from Official Sources: Voters should rely on information directly from trusted sources, such as election officials, government websites, and reputable news organizations.
- Questioning Suspicious Content: If a video, audio recording, or image seems too outrageous to be true or evokes strong emotional responses, it’s crucial to exercise caution and verify its authenticity.
- Being Wary of Information Shared on Social Media: Social media platforms, while convenient for sharing information, can also be breeding grounds for misinformation. Voters should be cautious about the content they consume and share, especially during election season.
The Future of Elections in the Age of Deepfakes
The 2024 election will be a critical test for the resilience of democratic processes against the threat of AI-generated deepfakes.
