The Impact of Deepfakes on Elections: A Growing Concern

Will deepfakes help derail elections?

With the rise of generative AI programs, the creation of deepfake content has become easier and more accessible than ever before. As major elections loom on the horizon, concerns are mounting about the potential impact of deepfakes on the democratic process.

Experts are warning that deepfakes could be used to sway public opinion, incite unrest, and undermine the integrity of elections. The EU’s cybersecurity agency has emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in the electoral process by ensuring cybersecure infrastructures and combating the spread of misinformation.

Social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook have implemented policies to flag AI-generated content, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. The upcoming elections in 2024 will serve as a crucial test of whether these platforms can effectively combat the spread of deepfakes.

Who owns AI-generated content?

As companies continue to develop generative AI tools, questions are arising about the ownership of AI-generated content. Companies often train their models using vast amounts of data sourced from the internet, without obtaining explicit consent from the original creators.

Rights holders are pushing back against what they see as violations of their copyrights. Lawsuits have been filed against companies like OpenAI and Microsoft for using copyrighted material without permission. These legal battles could set precedents for how existing copyright laws need to be updated to address the challenges posed by AI technology.

Who holds the power over AI?

As AI technology advances, concerns are growing about the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech companies. Digital rights activists warn that the increasing sophistication and cost of developing AI models are giving a select few companies significant influence over how AI shapes society.

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, the decisions made by these powerful companies will have far-reaching implications for society as a whole. The need for governance and regulation of AI technology is becoming increasingly apparent to ensure that it is used responsibly and ethically.

How to enforce AI laws?

In response to these challenges, the EU has introduced the world’s first comprehensive set of specific laws for artificial intelligence with the AI Act. The enforcement of these laws will be closely watched to see if regulators can effectively oversee the use of AI technology.

As debates continue over the practicalities of these new laws, it is clear that the regulation of AI technology will be a complex and ongoing process. Ensuring that AI is used in a way that benefits society while protecting individual rights will be a key challenge for lawmakers and regulators in the years to come.