The Department of Homeland Security has issued a bulletin warning state and local officials about the potential for foreign operatives and domestic extremists to use artificial intelligence tools to interfere with the 2024 US election cycle. The bulletin, produced by the DHS’ Office of Intelligence and Analysis, warns that various “threat actors” could utilize generative AI to influence or disrupt the upcoming election. While a large-scale attack is considered less likely due to the decentralized nature of the voting system, targeted disruptions in key battleground areas could still occur.
Election officials are expected to operate in a chaotic and hostile information environment during the 2024 elections, with concerns about widespread fraud and acceptance of election results by all parties. The availability of AI tools to amplify false claims and misinformation poses a significant threat to election security. US officials point to incidents such as a robocall targeting voters in the Democratic primary in New Hampshire as examples of how AI tools can be used to deceive and manipulate voters.
The effectiveness of AI tools in spreading disinformation relies on gaining traction with audiences. Chinese and Iranian operatives were found to have prepared fake AI-generated content in attempts to influence US voters during the 2020 election, but did not disseminate it publicly. Advances in AI capabilities have made it easier for bad actors to convincingly imitate someone’s voice or face, leading to their proliferation among foreign operatives and extremist groups aiming to manipulate online content.
Foreign government-backed operatives and violent extremists have shown increasing interest in using generative AI to create fake content for influence operations. While American pollsters work to determine voter preferences, Chinese trolls have been observed engaging in audience reconnaissance on social media platforms. However, their understanding of US audiences and cultural context is not as advanced as that of Russian operatives, posing a potential risk for misinformation and manipulation.
The bulletin emphasizes the need for vigilance and awareness among election officials, state and local authorities, and the public to combat interference and disinformation during the upcoming election cycle. It highlights the importance of monitoring social media platforms for fake content and propaganda and encourages collaboration between government agencies, tech companies, and cybersecurity experts to address these threats. As AI tools continue to evolve and become more accessible to malicious actors, proactive measures are essential to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and protect democracy from foreign interference and extremist influences.
