Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, and its progress is fueling online disinformation and posing a significant threat to global human rights, according to a report published by a US nonprofit organization. The report highlights how easy access to generative AI technology has contributed to the decline of global internet freedom for the 13th consecutive year.
The study identifies China, Myanmar, and Iran as having the worst internet freedom conditions among the 70 countries surveyed. Generative AI allows governments to enhance and refine online censorship, amplifying digital repression and facilitating surveillance. As a result, the creation and spread of disinformation have become faster, cheaper, and more effective.
Michael J Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, emphasizes that AI can be used as a tool to supercharge censorship, surveillance, and the creation of disinformation, amplifying the crisis for human rights online. It is estimated that AI-generated content could soon account for more than 99% of all information on the internet, overwhelming content moderation systems that are struggling to keep up with the deluge of misinformation.
Despite these alarming trends, governments have been slow to respond, with few countries enacting legislation to regulate the ethical use of AI. Some countries justify the use of AI-based surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition, on the grounds of security.
The report also reveals that generative AI-based tools were employed in at least 16 countries to distort information on political or social issues within a one-year period. However, this figure is likely an undercount. Additionally, social media companies in at least 22 countries were compelled to use automated systems for content moderation to comply with censorship rules.
Misinformation, especially in the form of deepfakes, can have substantial consequences, particularly during important events such as national-level elections. With at least 65 national-level elections scheduled for next year, including in Indonesia, India, and the US, the dissemination of misinformation can greatly impact the democratic process.
This report serves as a wake-up call for the international community and urges action to address the ethical implications of AI. It emphasizes the need for countries to pass legislation that regulates the use of AI and ensures its ethical implementation. Furthermore, a concerted effort from social media companies is needed to enhance content moderation systems and mitigate the spread of AI-generated disinformation.
The global community must tackle the escalating threats brought about by AI’s rapid advancement. Failure to do so jeopardizes human rights, internet freedom, and the integrity of democratic processes. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial that we embrace responsible AI development and usage to safeguard our society from the perils of online disinformation and ensure the protection of human rights.
