AI on Fake News During US Elections: Opportunity or Threat?

By: A.C. Estefan 

As the United States prepares for another presidential election, there is increasing concern regarding misinformation and fraud that could already be spreading. In recent years, the rapid increase of fake news across social media has led to growing unease over the integrity of democratic processes. However, with the advances in technology and artificial intelligence (AI), specialists have identified new tools that could potentially change the battlefield of the war against fake news.
 
Social media companies have seen an opportunity to use AI to point out misleading content ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. To spot this, algorithms analyze patterns and analyze data to pinpoint fake information which could affect elections. By identifying the sources of fake news and the networks involved, AI technologies enable platforms to take targeted action to reduce their impact. Hence, companies aim to use this tool to decrease the spread of misinformation that could influence public opinion or undermine the electoral process.
 
The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasises the importance of using AI-driven strategies in combating fake information during election cycles. By using machine learning and natural language, AI systems analyze the content of news articles, social media posts, and other sources to identify misleading or false information. This approach empowers technology companies to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
 
Whilst it has the potential to be a great ally in the fight against fake news, the development of AI technologies also presents a major challenge for media companies. AI creates highly realistic and believable images with entirely fabricated audio and video content and thus can contribute to the spread of false information. Major tech companies such as Meta (formerly Facebook), Google, Microsoft, and TikTok have joined forces to address the threat posed by AI-generated deepfakes and have been working hard to identify when they have been used. The Munich Accord, a landmark agreement signed by these companies, work in collaboration to develop technologies capable of detecting and combating the impact of deepfakes on elections and democratic discussions.
 
In light of recent issues, experts argue that AI holds immense promise in strengthening the electoral process against misinformation and fraud. By using sophisticated algorithms and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, stakeholders can proactively identify and counteract attempts to undermine the integrity of elections. Nonetheless, companies must work to use these AI tools to combat the threat of AI in the production of fake news.
 
As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, the role of AI in combating fraud has taken the spotlight in the ongoing effort to uphold the integrity of democratic processes in the digital age. These innovative strategies give confidence to the public that the power of AI can be used to protect the foundation of democracy and ensure that elections remain as free and fair as possible.