The 2024 global elections are reportedly under threat from AI Deepfakes, according to UK Home Secretary James Cleverly, who stated that thousands of realistic-looking but phony photos and films that can deceive and disturb are "already in play."
Since deepfakes can be freely shared on encrypted websites and instantly shared with millions of people on social media, the Home Secretary issued a special warning against the thousands of deepfakes that could be created by agents of countries like Iran and Russia to undermine democracy in countries like the UK.
(Photo : ALEXANDRA ROBINSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A research team has conducted a comprehensive analysis of deepfake content in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The warning is issued at a time when it is projected that 2 billion people will cast ballots in national elections this year, including citizens of the US, UK, India, and 60 other countries.
The global elections this year are gravely threatened by the rapid growth of technology and the pervasive use of social media, James Cleverly noted ahead of his meeting with leaders from Silicon Valley, where he would demand more action to protect democracy.
Reports state that the home secretary will discuss coordinated measures to safeguard democracy with executives of Silicon Valley companies such as Google, Meta, Apple, YouTube, and others.
Deepfakes Against Democracy
James Cleverly's advice is in line with a previous comment made by the former justice minister, Sir Robert Buckland, who pleaded with the government in December to take more aggressive action against AI deepfakes on the grounds that he thought they constituted a "clear and present danger" to democracy in the United Kingdom.
While the United Kingdom continues to caution against AI Deepfakes, the United States' Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned deepfakes on businesses and government agencies. Additionally, the FTC is also looking to ban AI deepfakes for all consumers, protecting individuals from unconsented impersonation.
UK's AI regulation, on the other hand, continues to be relaxed compared to other nations, with the latest update being a clarification that legally binding regulations for monitoring the advancement of artificial intelligence will be required, with emphasis on it being in the future.
As an alternative, ministers will reportedly consult with technology, law, and civil society experts before outlining "initial thinking for future binding requirements" for advanced systems.
Furthermore, the government will spend £10 million to enable regulators in addressing the risks connected with the technology and mandate that they describe their approach to AI by April 30.
Big Tech Companies Against Deepfakes
However, major tech firms have taken a step toward regulating deepfakes using AI by signing the "Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections."
Twenty major participants signed the pact, vowing to utilize cutting edge technology to detect and ban harmful AI-generated content meant to mislead voters. These participants included Adobe, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Snap Inc., and Meta. Eight distinct commitments are outlined in the agreement to combat fraudulent AI-generated information relevant to elections.
These claims extend to artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images, audio, and video that alter the appearance, demeanor, or behavior of public figures-including political candidates-in order to disseminate false information about how voting works.
