As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, the role of technology in shaping electoral processes and public opinion has never been more significant. Advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), are influencing both the political landscape and the way voters access information.
However, with this evolution comes a set of new challenges — from AI-generated misinformation to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. As election officials, tech companies, and cybersecurity experts work to navigate these risks, the impact of technology on the democratic process has become a topic of intense scrutiny. Here, we explore the major technologies and concerns defining the 2024 election.
AI-Generated Content and the Misinformation Challenge
One of the most significant issues facing the 2024 election is the proliferation of AI-generated content, often referred to as “synthetic media.” Advances in generative AI enable the creation of realistic text, images, and even deepfake videos that are nearly indistinguishable from authentic content. While this technology has transformative potential, it has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation.
AI-generated deepfakes, which can manipulate videos to show politicians saying or doing things they never did, pose a direct threat to voter trust. Advocacy groups are pushing for stricter regulations, including watermarking and cryptographic signing, to identify and label AI-generated content.
These methods could help voters differentiate between real and manipulated media, but they come with limitations. Sophisticated actors might still bypass watermarking measures, while labeling can sometimes inadvertently create distrust, even for harmless content.
Despite these limitations, experts argue that labeling and watermarking remain crucial. “Transparency is key,” says Dr. Jennifer Sparrow, a digital media ethics professor. “Voters have the right to know when they’re seeing AI-generated content, but the technical challenges make this an uphill battle.”
AI Chatbots and the Risk of Misinformation Spread
AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Bard, have quickly gained popularity as sources of information, especially among younger voters. While these tools are often used for entertainment and general queries, there are concerns that some voters might mistake them for reliable sources of election-related information.
Chatbots could be misused to provide misleading details on voting locations, registration deadlines, and other critical election logistics.
To mitigate this risk, major AI providers have programmed chatbots to redirect users to official sources when election information is requested. However, the potential for misuse remains, as users might still encounter incorrect or misleading answers that can sow confusion. “AI is only as reliable as the data it’s trained on,” notes Sparrow. “In an election context, this makes it both a valuable tool and a liability.”
Strengthening Cybersecurity in Election Infrastructure
As the reliance on technology in elections grows, so does the importance of cybersecurity. AI has introduced new capabilities for both defending and attacking election infrastructure. On one hand, election officials are leveraging AI to detect and prevent unauthorized access to voting systems. On the other hand, the same technology can be exploited by malicious actors to launch more sophisticated attacks.
To protect election integrity, security measures have been heightened. This includes advanced authentication protocols, continuous monitoring of digital systems, and simulations to prepare for potential cyberattacks. However, the biggest challenge may be maintaining public trust. “It’s not enough for voting systems to be secure; voters need to believe they’re secure,” says cybersecurity analyst Dr. Anthony Chen. “Otherwise, fear of interference could undermine participation.”