Generative artificial intelligence has been identified as a potential threat to election security in the upcoming 2024 U.S. election cycle. The technology, which can create realistic “deep fake” videos that manipulate content to distort reality, could be used by foreign and domestic actors to influence and disrupt the elections. A federal bulletin compiled by the Department of Homeland Security and shared with law enforcement partners nationwide highlighted the risks posed by generative AI, warning that the technology could be harnessed to sow discord, spread disinformation, and target election infrastructure. The bulletin emphasized the critical need for vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines also raised concerns about the potential dangers of generative AI during a recent Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, highlighting how foreign influence actors could exploit the technology to produce deceptive messaging on a large scale. While acknowledging that the U.S. has made significant strides in election security, Haines expressed the need for continued vigilance and caution in countering the evolving threat landscape. The emergence of AI-enhanced deepfakes poses a unique challenge for election security efforts, as these sophisticated manipulations can deceive unsuspecting voters and undermine the democratic process.
One alarming example cited in the federal bulletin was a fake robocall impersonating President Joe Biden that circulated before the New Hampshire primary, urging recipients to withhold their votes until the November general election. The bulletin underscored the importance of addressing the timing of AI-generated election-specific content, as false narratives can quickly gain traction online before they can be debunked. Additionally, the bulletin highlighted an incident in India where an AI video influenced voter behavior in a state election, demonstrating the global reach and impact of generative AI technology on democratic processes.
The bulletin also raised concerns about the potential use of generative AI by violent extremists to target election infrastructure and symbols. The technology could be exploited to enhance attack plotting, identify vulnerabilities in election systems, and provide tactical guidance for violent actions. While violent extremists have experimented with AI chatbots for tactical purposes, the bulletin stressed that there is no evidence of them using this technology to target election-related entities. However, the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats underscores the need for continuous monitoring and response mechanisms to safeguard election integrity and democratic norms.
In light of these emerging threats, cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies are urging increased vigilance and preparedness to safeguard election security. The evolving capabilities of generative AI pose new challenges for detecting and mitigating disinformation campaigns and malicious activities aimed at undermining democratic processes. By staying abreast of the latest advancements in AI technology and developing robust defenses against AI-generated attacks, election officials and security agencies can strengthen the resilience of electoral systems and protect the integrity of democratic processes against emerging threats. The urgency of addressing the risks posed by generative AI underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts to enhance election security and defend against hostile actors seeking to exploit technological vulnerabilities for malicious purposes.
