The Role of AI in the 2024 Elections: Beyond the Hype
The 2024 elections were touted as the year artificial intelligence would revolutionize democracy. With over 2 billion voters participating in elections across 60 countries, many experts predicted that generative AI, particularly deepfakes, would disrupt campaigns and jeopardize electoral integrity. However, the reality was far more nuanced and less sensational than anticipated.
Deepfakes: A Feared Threat That Didn’t Materialize
Much of the initial fear surrounding AI in elections focused on deepfakes. These AI-generated videos were expected to flood social media, mislead voters, and manipulate opinions. However, campaigns were surprisingly cautious about deploying deepfake technology. According to Scott Brennen, director of the Center for Technology Policy at New York University, the complexity of creating convincing deepfakes and the emergence of state-level laws restricting AI-driven deceptive ads deterred many from using them. “No politician or advertiser wants to become a test case for these new laws,” Brennen explained.
Interestingly, an analysis by the WIRED AI Elections Project revealed that nearly half of election-related deepfakes were not intended to deceive but rather to entertain or signal political allegiance. For instance, an AI-generated video of Donald Trump and Elon Musk dancing to “Stayin’ Alive” gained massive traction on social media without harming the democratic process. However, in countries like Bangladesh, deepfakes were used more maliciously, spreading misinformation to discourage voting among certain groups.
The Subtle Influence of AI Behind the Scenes
While deepfakes stole the spotlight in early discussions, AI’s more significant impact was felt in less visible but equally transformative ways. Generative AI tools were widely used to draft campaign emails, write speeches, and create advertisements. These applications, though not as flashy as deepfakes, allowed campaigns to strategize more efficiently and connect with voters in innovative ways.
For example, in Indonesia, political consultants employed ChatGPT-powered tools to craft campaign strategies and speeches. Similarly, in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used AI translation software to deliver speeches in multiple local languages, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity. Such applications showcase how AI can democratize campaign resources, enabling smaller candidates to compete more effectively.
The Ethical Challenges of AI in Elections
Despite its potential benefits, AI also posed ethical challenges. In some cases, politicians exploited the mere existence of synthetic media to discredit legitimate evidence—a phenomenon known as the “liar’s dividend.” For example, Donald Trump accused authentic images of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign rallies of being AI-generated, undermining trust in real media.
Furthermore, the rapid development of AI outpaced the tools used to detect and verify synthetic media. Sam Gregory, program director at Witness, emphasized that detection tools remain underdeveloped, especially in regions outside the U.S. and Western Europe. “This is not the time for complacency,” Gregory warned, highlighting the need for robust systems to combat AI-driven misinformation.
AI’s Potential to Strengthen Democracy
Despite these concerns, AI also demonstrated its capacity to enhance democratic processes. By streamlining campaign operations and improving voter outreach, AI can empower underfunded candidates and foster greater political participation. For instance, exiled Belarusian dissidents used an AI-generated candidate as a symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule, showcasing how AI can protect activists in repressive regimes.
Moreover, AI tools like real-time translation software have the potential to break language barriers, making political discourse more inclusive. As Bruce Schneier, a Harvard Kennedy School lecturer, noted, “AI can be phenomenal for local candidates and small campaigns, enabling them to connect with voters in ways that were previously unimaginable.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Elections
While 2024 didn’t turn out to be the “AI election year” many envisioned, it marked the beginning of AI’s integration into democratic processes. From refining campaign strategies to enabling global collaboration on AI ethics, the potential for AI to reshape elections is immense. For further insights into balancing innovation with accountability, explore Ensuring Responsible AI: A Path Toward Innovation and Accountability.
As AI technology continues to evolve, governments, tech companies, and civil society must collaborate to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks. The lessons of 2024 underscore that while AI can enhance democracy, vigilance and ethical oversight are crucial to ensuring its responsible use.
