Concerns are rising about the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate elections through disinformation campaigns. British election officials are urging lawmakers to establish spending limits on AI and mandate clear labeling of AI-generated content. Experts warn that without swift action, the upcoming UK general election is vulnerable to AI-driven disinformation, potentially eroding public trust in democracy.
The easy access to increasingly sophisticated AI tools has amplified these anxieties. Tom Newhouse, a digital marketing expert and former director at the National Republican Congressional Committee, anticipates an "AI arms race" in the next US election, with campaigns leveraging AI for targeted advertising, personalized content, and in-depth opposition research.
To combat this, British regulators propose legislation requiring political parties to disclose their use of AI-generated materials and report associated expenditures. The UK's Electoral Commission emphasizes transparency as a key objective, aiming to bolster public confidence in the integrity of online political activity. A recent initiative mandates "digital imprints" on campaign materials, including social media posts and text messages, to identify the source and funder of the content. This measure, effective November 2023, will be overseen by the Electoral Commission, which also plans to collaborate with social media platforms to enhance transparency in election advertising.
The recent Turkish presidential election highlighted the dangers of AI-driven manipulation. Candidate Muharrem Ince withdrew from the race, alleging a smear campaign involving a deepfake sex tape. Even the eventual winner, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was accused of using a deepfake to portray Kurdish militants supporting his opponent. These events underscore the urgent need for regulations to mitigate the risks of AI misuse in elections.
The increasing public concern over unregulated political activity on social media further emphasizes the need for comprehensive electoral reform to keep pace with technological advancements. The Electoral Commission is committed to working with regulators and the UK government to modernize electoral laws for the digital age.
