NEW YORK: As elections loom in several Asian nations, experts are expressing heightened concerns over the potential influence of artificial intelligence-generated deepfake videos on voters. With elections scheduled in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in the coming weeks, tech experts and authorities are sounding the alarm about the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
In India, where more than 900 million people are eligible to vote, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the significant threat posed by deepfake videos. The lack of guidelines on deepfakes has raised worries about their potential to deceive voters and impact election outcomes. Authorities have warned social media platforms about potential consequences if they fail to address the issue.
The situation is mirrored in Indonesia, where over 200 million voters are set to cast their ballots on February 14. Deepfake videos of presidential candidates and their running mates are circulating online, raising concerns about the potential manipulation of public perception and voting behavior.
Experts argue that AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes, can be used for microtargeting voters with disinformation and spreading false narratives at an unprecedented scale. The speed and effectiveness of these tools make them potent instruments for influencing elections, especially in environments where misinformation is already prevalent.
Potential Impact of AI Deepfakes on Voters
In Bangladesh, where elections are scheduled to take place on January 7, deepfake videos targeting female opposition politicians surfaced, even after being quickly debunked. Experts warn that, given low levels of information and digital literacy, deepfakes could be powerful tools for political propaganda if deployed effectively.
Pakistan, with an election scheduled for February 8, witnessed the use of AI-generated images and voice clones by former Prime Minister Imran Khan during an online election rally in December. While the country has drafted an AI law, digital rights activists criticize the lack of safeguards against disinformation.
Global estimates suggest that at least 500,000 video and voice deepfakes were shared on social media platforms in 2023, underscoring the challenges faced by platforms in keeping up with the rapidly evolving technology. Major social media companies, including Meta and Google, have outlined their intentions to combat synthetic media by removing content that could mislead viewers.
Despite efforts to regulate online content, recent laws passed in India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh could potentially penalize social media sites for misinformation. However, experts express concerns that platforms are not adequately equipped to handle the challenges posed by deepfakes during the current election cycle.
