AI's Impact on Democracy and Misinformation

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked significant concerns about its impact on democracy and the spread of misinformation. AI-generated deepfakes and disinformation are increasingly influencing electoral integrity, with AI-created audio and image deepfakes being used to mislead voters and spread propaganda. Efforts are underway to combat these issues, such as the development of audio verification tools for journalists and legislation requiring disclosures on AI-generated political ads. In the media landscape, AI is also being used to create lifelike news presenters to disseminate state propaganda, as seen with Russian broadcaster RT. Public officials and researchers emphasize the need for multidisciplinary approaches and robust governance to address the challenges posed by AI in maintaining democratic norms and protecting civil rights.