On January 21, Patricia Gingrich was interrupted during dinner when her landline phone rang. The New Hampshire voter answered the call and heard a voice that sounded like Joe Biden telling her not to vote in the upcoming presidential primary. However, Gingrich knew that Biden would never say such a thing. The voice turned out to be a deepfake, generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Experts are concerned about the impact of deepfakes on US voters, as they can inject false content into the election and erode public trust.
Gingrich did not fall for the deepfake, but she worries that it may have suppressed voter turnout. The message reached nearly 5,000 New Hampshire voters just days before the primary. Other deepfakes have also surfaced during this election cycle, such as a video shared by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s campaign showing AI-generated images of Donald Trump and Anthony Fauci.
The use of AI tools to create misleading content has raised concerns about disinformation and the manipulation of public opinion. Online communities, especially in swing states, are vulnerable to the spread of manipulated media. The rapid advancement of AI technology makes it easier to create convincing deepfakes, posing a serious threat to the November general election.
Efforts are being made to address the issue of deepfakes in elections, with some states enacting laws to regulate their use. However, federal legislation on the matter remains limited. Individuals and organizations are also taking action to hold those responsible for creating and spreading deepfakes accountable.
The rise of deepfakes has the potential to undermine public trust and make it easier for political figures to dismiss legitimate audio or video evidence. As the technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for voters to remain vigilant and critical of the content they encounter.