With the 2024 election approaching, a new threat has emerged in the form of deepfake political ads. These AI-generated ads can be incredibly convincing, making it difficult for voters to distinguish fact from fiction.
Recently, a deepfake robocall was sent to voters in New Hampshire urging them not to vote in the primary election. The call contained a digital forgery of President Joe Biden’s voice, highlighting the potential of deepfakes to mislead voters.
Experts warn that deepfakes could have a significant impact on the election, especially in swing states. Eric Yaverbaum, a public relations executive, points out that deepfakes have the potential to be “as dangerous as any hacker, about a thousand times more dangerous.”
To address this growing concern, the FCC has banned deepfake robocalls and companies like Meta and Microsoft have introduced features to detect AI deceptions. However, only a handful of states have passed laws to implement such protections.
In New York, a law requires disclosures for AI-generated ads, but similar bills are still being discussed in New Jersey and Connecticut.
A nonprofit group has launched a deepfake detector designed to help users spot political fakes online. This tool can help voters make informed decisions, but experts stress that the era of fake cyberpropaganda has only just begun.
