The article highlights that while AI did not dominate the elections as initially predicted, it still played a crucial role behind the scenes. AI tools were used for language translation, campaign strategy, and even as protest symbols in repressive states. The technology's ability to assist in various campaign tasks suggests a potential positive impact on democracy by making political processes more accessible. However, the article also notes the challenges in detecting AI-generated media, especially outside the US and Western Europe, and the phenomenon of the "liar’s dividend," where real media is dismissed as fake. As AI tools continue to develop, their influence on elections is expected to grow.
Key takeaways:
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- Generative AI was expected to play a significant role in the 2024 elections, but its impact was less than anticipated, particularly in the use of deepfakes.
- While misleading deepfakes were a concern, many campaigns avoided using them due to legal uncertainties and the complexity of the technology.
- AI was used more subtly in elections, such as writing campaign materials and translating speeches, which helped smaller campaigns and increased political inclusivity.
- AI's role in elections is growing, with companies like Microsoft and Google providing training to campaigns, indicating a future increase in AI's political influence.