Navigating the New Age of Propaganda: The Perils of Deepfake Technology in Elections

@kevinbihanpoudec Joining the Conversation on AI Ethics and Governance This Tuesday, following up on a missed phone call from last week, I attempted to reconnect with Representative Derek Kilmer's office to address critical AI issues. Regrettably, I was only able to reach his answering machine. As a key member of the New Democrat Coalition's AI Working Group, Rep. Kilmer plays a vital role in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in our society. With the 2024 elections approaching, the need to address the perils of deepfake technologies and synthetic media is more crucial than ever. These technologies have the alarming potential to influence public opinion and manipulate electoral outcomes, making it imperative to establish robust policies that safeguard democratic integrity. Reflecting on historical propaganda methods, we are reminded of the clear parallels in today’s tech-driven world, where AI can create hyper-realistic content that could easily mislead the public. The question is no longer if, but how extensively, AI will impact future elections. In light of Facebook's recent commitment to label AI-generated content, it's critical that Congress plays a role in standardizing such practices to ensure transparency across all digital platforms, not just the giants like Meta. As a data analytics professional and founder of Voice for Change, I urge everyone to stay informed and engaged. The Responsible Advanced Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024 is just the beginning. We need comprehensive measures that not only foster innovation but also protect us from its potential misuses. Stay tuned as I continue to advocate for ethical AI use and share updates from my ongoing efforts to influence AI policy. Together, we can ensure that technology serves the public good, upholding the values of truth and integrity in our digital age. #AIethics #digitaldemocracy #propaganda #techforgood #VoiceForChange #EthicalAI ♬ original sound - Kevin Bihan-Poudec

As I attempted to call back the office of Representative Derek Kilmer—a follow-up from a missed call last week—I left a voicemail expressing my hopes to discuss pressing issues that concern us all. My upcoming conversation will delve into a topic that is becoming increasingly crucial as we approach the 2024 presidential election: the modern face of propaganda powered by deepfake technology.

Historically, propaganda has been a tool for the powerful to manipulate the masses. During World War II, figures like Adolf Hitler utilized media, from posters to broadcasts, to spread dangerous ideologies. Today, the technology at our disposal has evolved far beyond the simple tools of the past. Deepfake technology, which allows for the creation of hyper-realistic videos, poses a modern threat that could be even more deceptive and widespread than anything we've seen before.

The potential for misuse of deepfakes during elections is alarmingly high. We live in a world where former President Donald Trump has been documented asking for additional votes—a clear and present reminder of how fragile our democratic processes can be. With deepfake technology, the risk isn't just in altering videos to misrepresent public figures; it's the possibility that this technology could be used to fabricate entirely false scenarios to sway public opinion or even change the course of elections.

My forthcoming discussion with Representative Kilmer's office, particularly with members of the New Democrat Coalition's AI Working Group, is aimed at addressing these issues head-on. The Group is actively exploring how to govern and regulate AI as it becomes more woven into the societal fabric, especially with the impending threat of AI-generated misinformation. Recent movements, such as the initiative by Meta (formerly Facebook) to label AI-generated content, are steps in the right direction but are merely the beginning of what is required.

In our conversation, I plan to emphasize the critical need for a standardized approach across all platforms, not just the large ones. We need legislation that mandates the disclosure and verification of synthetic media to prevent deceptive practices that could undermine our political processes. Additionally, it's crucial for the government to conduct extensive checks on private U.S. tech companies to ensure there is no misuse of technology that could arise from bribery. Moreover, we need robust strategies to educate the public about the nature of deepfakes, enabling citizens to critically evaluate the content they encounter.

The echoes of the past are clear and ominous. Just as propaganda once capitalized on the uninformed, today's technology could enable a new era of misinformation capable of altering the reality perceived by millions. This is not merely a potential risk but a present-day issue that requires immediate and decisive action.

As we count down to the election, the stakes could not be higher. Ensuring the integrity of our democratic processes in the age of AI and digital manipulation is paramount. My upcoming call with Rep. Kilmer is not just a routine check-in; it is a step toward shaping policies that aim to safeguard our society against the kind of dystopian scenarios that were once confined to science fiction.

The time to act is now. We cannot wait for the first deepfake election scandal to realize the full extent of this technology's implications. Instead, we must anticipate these challenges and meet them with proactive, comprehensive policies that ensure a fair, transparent, and democratic electoral process.

Stay tuned for updates from my conversation as I continue to advocate for the responsible use of technology in our society. Together, we can confront these challenges and ensure that our digital future remains secure and equitable for all.