AI Threat To Democracy

Let Us Know How AI Threat To Democracy

In the elections for the 18th Lok Sabha much like past elec- tions, the online platforms will play a role in shaping the contours of the campaigns and new developments will challenge the already contested information space. The major develop- ment is generative artificial intelligence (AI), which allows anyone to create realistic images, video, audio, or text.

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When the largest democracy goes to poll, a new emerging threat called Al looms large.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that till now only a human could do. Rea- soning, decision making, and solving problems can be per- formed by computer systems. Artificial intelligence is the the oretical state in which a computer system is able to exceed human intelligence. Common examples today are ChatGPT, Google Trans- late, Netflix, Tesla etc.

AI Threat To Democracy: Whenever we use the term ar- tificial general intelligence, we are referring to the kind of computer programs and machines that are commonly found in popular sci- ence fiction. The major threat lies in the ability of Al to quickly generate new content, text or images.

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Today it is the major tool to create misinformation and violate laws and regulations, The impact of social media on elections is evident but the threat of Al is enormous and unexplored. Agencies involved in conducting fair elections are yet to device means to counter this unseen enemy.

AI Threat To Democracy: In the elections for the 18th Lok Sabha much like past elec- tions, the online platforms will play a role in shaping the con- tours of the campaigns and new developments will challenge the already contested information space. The major development is generative artificial intelligence (Al), which allows anyone to cre- ate realistic images, video, audio, or text.

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Al outputs have been ad- vanced enormously. We have al- ready seen the impact with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. Its potential for creating a disinformation chaos in the 2024 by accelerating production of false information. altered content can be used to Al generated or significantly undermine democratic discourse and electoral behaviour in a variety of ways.

AI Threat To Democracy: They can deter vot- ers from exercising their right to vote or manufacture events depicting a candidate to be in- volved in some scam or scandal that will disturb his supporters. Authentic information can be labelled to be cast as false or generated to avoid account- ability, especially in matters of scandals impacting election campaigns.

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This can cause a sway in public opinion, create rift in communities, demotivate or deceive voters undermining the trust of the general public in the electoral process. As a democratic country we need to consider how to respond, and create means for interventions against the threat from Al.

Legislation should be ad- equately updated for election-specific concerns of deepfake content depicting candidates. The voter should also be educated about how to scrutinize generated content. Tech companies also should be directed for watermarking devising new tools for detection.

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They can also facilitate online in- formation to wholly address the challenge of gener- ative Al. Al invasion has already been experienced by the Americans during their elections. The Chinese at- tempts at influencing the American elections with the help of generative Al has also been reported.

AI Threat To Democracy: Al generated fake contents have come up concerning the Russia – Ukraine War. Even smaller countries such as Bangladesh have reported widespread use of Al generated misinformation and deepfakes in their recent elections. A concept has evolved known as the “liar’s divi- dend” whereby some politicians profit from an informational environment saturated with misinforma- tion.

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Another prominent phenomenon is called the “firehose of falsehood” which is a propaganda tech- nique where large number of messages are broad- cast rapidly, repetitively, and continuously over multiple channels without any check for truth or consistency The print media has been almost wiped out by the online platforms, specially after the pandemic, but it alone has the potential to counter the menace of Al disinformation.

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Though in India we still have some hope with a remaining few print media houses which are continuing against all odds. The trust on print media can get a boost in this attempt to counter this threat. The concerned agencies can ed- ucate the citizen to check and cross check informa- tion and not believe anything and everything catered on online platforms.

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AI Threat To Democracy: The print media has an oppor- tunity as a service to the nation. The proliferation of Al-generated content during the general elections 2024 may accelerate the loss of trust in the overall election system. A nation where 77% of the population use mobile phones and more than 60% of them are active on the social media there is a need for seri- ous concern.

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AI Threat To Democracy: Voters inhabit on- line spaces crowded with manipulated viral images and videos and Al-generated text. Widespread use of generative technology could create a tremendous confusion as what to believe and what not to be- lieve.
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