AI-Generated Deepfakes Mislead Voters and Politicians in 2024 US Elections

In an unsettling turn of events, citizens in New Hampshire received deceptive robo-calls impersonating President Joe Biden, urging them not to vote in the Jan. 23 primary. The calls, believed to be the work of an AI deepfake tool, aimed at influencing the 2024 presidential election.

Misleading Messages:

Residents were instructed to stay home during the primary, with the voice claiming that voting on Tuesday would benefit the Republicans and contribute to the re-election of Donald Trump. The state's attorney general's office condemned the calls as misinformation, emphasizing that voters should disregard the content entirely. Former President Donald Trump's spokesperson denied any involvement from the GOP candidate or his campaign. Investigations are ongoing to identify the source of these deceptive robocalls.

Additional Deepfake Scandal:

Simultaneously, another political scandal unfolded involving deepfake audio impersonating Manhattan Democrat leader Keith Wright. The AI-generated audio featured Wright's voice engaging in disparaging remarks about fellow Democratic Assembly member Inez Dickens.

Initial Credibility and Deception:

While some dismissed the deepfake audio as fake, at least one political insider was momentarily convinced of its authenticity. Manhattan Democrat and former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito admitted being initially fooled, stating, "I thought it was real."

Audio Over Video:

Experts suggest that bad actors prefer audio deepfakes over video, as consumers tend to be more discerning when it comes to visual manipulations. The familiarity with tools like Photoshop makes people cautious of visual fakery. However, there is no universal method for detecting or deterring deepfakes, emphasizing the need for caution when consuming media from unknown or dubious sources.

Caution in Media Consumption:

As of now, there is no foolproof method for detecting or preventing deepfakes. Experts advise caution, particularly when engaging with media from unfamiliar or questionable sources, especially when extraordinary claims are made.

The rise of AI-generated deepfakes poses a significant challenge to the integrity of elections and political discourse, highlighting the need for vigilance and skepticism in media consumption.