AI in 2024 elections: A new age of misinformation?

2024 has been a landmark year for global politics, with elections in 72 countries and 3.7 billion voters participating. However, this political activity came with a growing threat: AI-driven misinformation.

In the United States, deepfakes became potent tools of disinformation. A fabricated video falsely accused Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz of sexual misconduct, part of a larger foreign campaign to sow discord.

Another deepfake showed election officials allegedly destroying ballots in Pennsylvania, a Russian creation designed to undermine trust in the electoral process.

Even pop culture was weaponized, with deepfakes of Taylor Swift endorsing Donald Trump spreading widely, including on his Truth Social account. AI manipulation escalated further with a robocall featuring an AI-generated Joe Biden voice urging New Hampshire voters to skip the primaries.

India’s general election also saw a surge in AI-driven disinformation.

Deepfake videos targeted key figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shown dancing to a Bollywood song in a clip aimed at undermining his leadership.

AI even 'resurrected' deceased leaders like Muthuvel Karunanidhi, who appeared in a deepfake endorsing a campaign. Bollywood stars were also not spared; a fake video of Ranveer Singh criticizing Modi over unemployment went viral, urging votes for Congress.

Both the BJP and Congress employed AI to mock and discredit opponents, shaping narratives with fabricated content.

Pakistan faced similar challenges during its national elections.

AI-generated videos depicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his advisor calling for an election boycott, while Khan’s party used AI to simulate his voice in messages to supporters.

Women politicians, including Azma Bukhari and Maryam Nawaz Sharif, were targeted with deepfakes aimed at tarnishing their reputations. Even Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, was falsely portrayed in a scandalous video.

During pro-Khan protests in Islamabad, AI-generated images of blood-soaked streets circulated online, fueling confusion and political blame games.

From the U.S. to South Asia, 2024 has highlighted the immense power and risks of AI. No longer just a tool, AI has become a weapon capable of distorting reality and reshaping political narratives.

The question remains: are we ready for this new age of manipulation?