Leah Feiger from WIRED Politics Lab discusses AI in elections worldwide. They delve into deepfake technology, its impact on Indian politics, and the use of AI avatars in campaigns. The conversation also explores the challenges of media literacy, global conspiracy theories, and the need for regulatory frameworks in the digital age.
Generative AI is used to manipulate political information globally, including deep fakes and audio manipulation.
Identifying instances of generative AI manipulation poses challenges due to the complexity of audio and video manipulation.
Deep dives
AI Manipulating Elections Globally
Generative AI is being used to manipulate political information globally, including deep fakes and audio manipulation. The rise of generative AI poses challenges for social media companies in combating misinformation during elections.
Uncertainty Around Generative AI in Politics
The extent of generative AI's impact on elections remains uncertain, with conflicting opinions on its prevalence. A project tracking AI use in elections globally has gathered about 50 examples of AI manipulation.
Challenges in Identifying AI Manipulation
Identifying instances of generative AI manipulation in elections poses challenges due to the complexity of audio and video manipulation. Companies and platforms struggle to regulate AI use effectively, leading to potential misuse.
Global Expansion of Generative AI in Politics
The generative AI industry is expanding globally, with India showcasing substantial growth in using AI for personalized political outreach. Companies are venturing into digital avatar creation for politicians and personalized messages to voters, indicating a trend towards customized political communication.
In the largest global election year yet, generative AI is already being used to trick and manipulate voters around the world. Will this growing trend have real impact? Today on WIRED Politics Lab, we talk about a new online project that will be tracking the use of AI in elections around the world. Plus, Nilesh Christopher dives into the lucrative industry of deepfakes, and how politicians are using them to bombard Indian voters.
Leah Feiger is @LeahFeiger. Vittoria Elliot is @telliotter. Write to us at politicslab@WIRED.com. Be sure to subscribe to the WIRED Politics Lab newsletter here.