AI and Elections: The Double-Edged Sword of Democracy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables computers to simulate human thinking and decision making. In elections, AI can increase voter engagement through personalized communication and also organizes and manages data. AI’s role in shaping electoral narratives both positive and negative is an important topic that needs to be dealt with by both the government, the election authorities, and the public. As we scrutinize the consequences of AI in the election process on a global platform, we might learn lessons that could be used in the future elections.

The Dual Face of AI

AI is capable of widening the pre-existing challenges in the electoral process, such as disinformation and vulnerability in cyber infrastructure. To mention just a few, the immediate threats posed by AI take different forms: AI-generated deepfakes, which are AI-modified media files capable of convincingly altering images, videos, or audio with the intention of misrepresenting individuals; robocalls, which are automated calls that deliver recorded messages and may have legitimate purposes or scam with AI for voice generation and caller ID spoofing. For instance, last year AI-generated Biden robocalls in New Hampshire which discouraged voter participation. The misuse of AI is extensive around the world. For example, in Slovakia, audio clips with Slovakia’s liberal party discussing unethical matters such as vote rigging. Reports indicated that the Chinese government tried to use deepfakes in order to intervene in the political elections in Taiwan. In the general elections held in India deepfakes of dead politicians seem to win votes, again blurring the line that separates fact from fiction.

Though AI is marked along an “evil” tone in view of politics, there have been other contexts where AI has actually served useful. One example was AI-generated videos done by the now-imprisoned opposition leader Imran Khan to engage with his supporters in Pakistan. The opposition in Belarus has supported the parliamentary candidate of Yas Gaspadar, a chatbot using AI, highlights the positive impact of AI in elections by providing a platform for free elections and political freedom without facing the risks attributed to human candidates under the current regime. AI in Indonesia’s presidential election allowed for the rebranding of candidate Prabowo Subianto to the younger voter effectively with innovative strategies such as cartoon avatars and deepfakes, thus leading to his victory.

2024 Election Landscape

The run-up to the 2024 U.S. elections has shown the complexity of AI’s impact: experts predicted a significant disruption from AI-generated misinformation, but as the election approached, the anticipated turmoil was not as pervasive as initially feared. Though deepfakes and misinformation still played a role, the overall effects were more muted than some had expected. The infamous Biden robocall incident, for instance drew such rapid attention, leading to a rapid response that educated the electorate and mitigated the potential harm.

Despite the less severe consequences caused by AI, it must be noted that the primary concerns are the technology’s ability at micro-targeting voters with disinformation. Examples of AI-generated text messages that intimidate voters are a clear reflection of how AI is undermining public trust in the current atmosphere. The less-regulated platforms such as TikTok, for instance, have the potential to complicate the situation with the propagation of misinformation since such platforms foster unchecked narratives.

Looking Ahead

With the 2024 election now behind us, the conversation must shift toward understanding how AI’s role in elections may evolve in the coming years. Experts agree that as technology continues to advance, the sophistication of AI-generated content will increase, potentially leading to more credible deepfakes and targeted misinformation campaigns. While the current regulatory landscape is still fragmented, there is an opportunity where comprehensive legislation could address the challenges posed by AI. Policymakers have to balance between the need to prohibit such practices and preserve the freedom of speech, which is at the heart of democratic discourse.

Tech companies such as Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI are taking more initiative to self-regulate in a bid to meet the consumers’ expectations and public scrutiny. However, due to the ever-changing and somewhat vague definition of AI, there is a risk that if regulations are not thoughtfully designed, it may impede the positive effects of this technology, such as tools that improve voter engagement or simplify election processes.

Call for Regulation

Julia Feerrar, a digital literacy educator at Virginia Tech emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing the sources of online content. When encountering unfamiliar articles, a quick search can help verify their legitimacy—this technique, known as lateral reading, allows users to assess the credibility of the information.

The best way to combat misinformation is by keeping people aware of the emotional triggers in content. Most fake news is built to elicit an emotional response. A moment to reflect can really help in curbing impulsive sharing. Fact checking headlines and images using trusted sources is essential. One should be wary of generic website titles, which may signal AI-generated content. Ultimately, any solution to the complexity of AI-generated disinformation requires an approach that includes tech companies, educators, and policymakers together. By prioritizing media literacy and ethical practices, we can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding truth in our digital landscape.

Conclusion

The interplay between technology and politics will only grow more complex as we move forward. The 2024 elections have demonstrated the dual potential of AI to disrupt democratic processes while simultaneously offering innovative solutions for political engagement. It is important for policymakers to be vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges faced due to AI. We need to ensure AI is used to strengthen our democracy rather than weaken it.

We need to equip voters with the tools to navigate this new landscape, developing robust regulatory frameworks, and encouraging coordination of efforts by stakeholders are what will guard the integrity of elections worldwide in the future. What transpires starting in 2024 will no doubt set the path of political participation in the foreseeable future; thus, the need for society to engage in this essential dialogue now.