The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on the 2024 US Election : Analysis

Days after a robocall in New Hampshire was made with an AI-generated voice resembling President Joe Biden, the Federal Communications Commission banned the use of AI-generated voices in robocalls. The 2024 election marked the first with widespread access to AI generators, prompting 16 states to enact legislation around AI use in elections. However, the anticipated surge of AI-driven misinformation did not materialize, with traditional techniques like viral misinformation playing a larger role. Safeguards and regulations helped minimize AI’s potential impact on political speech, as experts noted that AI was not the primary driver of misinformation during the election. While deepfakes were used to stir partisan animus, most were created for satire or entertainment purposes. Foreign influence operations did not heavily leverage AI in the 2024 election, with more focus on traditional tactics. Both social media platforms and AI companies implemented measures to prevent the spread of harmful political content, despite some shortcomings in AI tools. Overall, efforts to curb AI misuse in the election seemed effective in mitigating major concerns.

Analysis:
The article discusses the use of AI-generated voices in robocalls during the 2024 election and the subsequent ban imposed by the Federal Communications Commission on such practices. The piece also mentions the anticipation of AI-driven misinformation in the election, but notes that traditional misinformation tactics like viral spreading played a more significant role. Safeguards and regulations were credited with minimizing AI’s impact on political speech, as experts observed that AI was not the primary source of misinformation during the election. Deepfakes were used for satire or entertainment rather than malicious intent, and foreign influence operations focused more on traditional tactics than AI-driven methods.

The sources in the article are not explicitly mentioned, so the credibility of the information presented could be questioned. The article provides a nuanced view of the impact of AI in the 2024 election, highlighting that while AI was not the primary driver of misinformation, it was still a concern that required regulatory measures. It also acknowledges the limitations of AI tools and the efforts made by social media platforms and AI companies to combat harmful political content.

In the current political landscape where misinformation is prevalent and the public’s trust in media is continuously tested, understanding how emerging technologies like AI can impact elections is crucial. The article suggests that while AI did not play a major role in the 2024 election’s misinformation landscape, regulatory frameworks and industry initiatives were vital in mitigating potential risks. It underscores the importance of responsible AI use and the necessity for continued vigilance in combating misinformation across all platforms.

Source: Aljazeera news: Did artificial intelligence shape the 2024 US election?