Title: Biden Deepfake Highlights Vulnerabilities in Election Communications
An unknown number of New Hampshire voters received an alarming phone call on January 21, 2024, which appeared to be President Joe Biden urging voters not to participate in the state’s upcoming GOP primary election. The recorded message falsely implied that registered Democrats could vote in the Republican primary and that voting in the primary would make them ineligible for the general election in November. This malicious attempt to discourage voting was likely an artificial intelligence (AI) deepfake, utilizing technology to clone Biden’s voice.
Deepfakes, which use generative adversarial networks (GANs) to manipulate audio and video, have become a growing concern in the realm of disinformation. These sophisticated AI-enhanced campaigns make it increasingly difficult to discern between real and fake content, posing a threat to the integrity of elections and public opinion.
Although deepfakes may have choppy and stilted audio and video output, their delivery through methods like robocalls can make them convincingly believable. As deepfakes continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, the need for context and verified sources becomes paramount in distinguishing fact from fiction. Without valid and confirmed sources vouching for the authenticity of the content, deepfakes should not be taken at face value.
Countering AI-enhanced disinformation campaigns is a complex task, as unmasking the source requires tracking metadata and investigating the method of distribution, whether it be through robocalls, social media, emails, text messages, or websites. However, researching audio and video manipulation has become more challenging due to limited access to application programming interfaces (APIs) by big tech companies and downsizing of trust and safety teams.
To combat these threats, society needs to prioritize timely, accurate, local knowledge (TALK) and develop social media systems that value genuine information over disruption and divisiveness. It is crucial for the public to remain skeptical of claims that do not come from verified sources such as reputable news organizations. Additionally, federal and state law enforcement authorities should vigorously investigate the malicious use of technology to suppress voter turnout, deterring disinformers from profiting at the expense of democracy.
As deepfake technology continues to become more accessible, society must be prepared for a potential rise in AI-enhanced disinformation campaigns, particularly during critical election periods. Upholding truth and accuracy should always take precedence, even if the pace of disinformation outweighs that of the truth.
In conclusion, the recent deepfake robocall impersonating President Joe Biden in New Hampshire exposes the vulnerabilities in election communication systems. It highlights the urgent need to identify and address AI-enhanced disinformation campaigns that aim to suppress voting and manipulate public opinion. By fostering skepticism and prioritizing reliable sources, as well as empowering law enforcement agencies to investigate such malicious activities, we can better safeguard the integrity of democratic processes in the face of advancing technology.
