The article also highlights the role of former President Donald Trump in spreading election misinformation. His false claims about election fraud and his priming of supporters to expect fraud in the 2024 election could lead to election vigilantism or violence. In response to these threats, election officials are preparing for the resurgence of election denial narratives, hiring outside groups to monitor misinformation, and increasing physical protections at vote-counting centers. Some states have passed laws requiring deepfakes to be labeled or banning those that misrepresent candidates, but no federal regulations have been finalized.
Key takeaways:
- Experts warn of a potential surge in misinformation during the upcoming presidential election, with AI tools making it easier to spread false information and social media companies shifting their priorities away from correcting the record.
- AI deepfakes have become more mainstream and accessible, with potential to spread manipulated images, videos, and audio clips that can mislead voters and influence elections.
- Social media platforms like Twitter, now known as X, have seen significant changes that have led to a decrease in moderation and an increase in the spread of hate speech and misinformation.
- Donald Trump's potential participation in the upcoming election could exacerbate election misinformation and potentially lead to election vigilantism or violence, as he continues to make false claims about election fraud.