The problem of AI-generated misinformation is not unique to India. Last year, a former Google CEO expressed concern that the 2024 U.S. presidential election would be a “mess” because of AI images, his comments followed the release of an entirely AI-generated video by the Republican Party, illustrating a dystopian scenario if Joe Biden were to win a second term in office
India, the world’s most populous nation, began its general elections on April 19, with the voting process set to conclude on June 1. However, the election is already facing significant disruptions due to the use of AI technology to spread misinformation.
Political campaigns have utilised AI-generated deepfake versions of politicians to influence Indian voters in what is the largest election ever held globally. One viral video, for instance, shows a deepfake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi dancing to the song Gangnam Style.
In response, India’s Election Commission issued an advisory on Monday to all political parties, urging them to refrain from using deepfakes and other forms of misinformation in their social media posts during the elections. According to report, the advisory mandates that political parties remove any deepfake audio or video within three hours of becoming aware of its existence. Additionally, parties are advised to identify and warn the individuals responsible for creating the manipulated content.
This action by the Election Commission comes after a Delhi High Court order directed the body to address the issue, following a petition highlighting the misuse of AI technology in the election campaign. Despite these efforts, the Election Commission has faced criticism for not doing enough to combat the spread of deepfakes and misinformation in India, a country with over 1.5 billion people.
Recently, Indian police arrested at least six members from the social media teams of the Indian National Congress, the country’s top opposition party, for circulating a fake video. The video falsely depicted Home Minister Amit Shah making statements he claims he never made.
The problem of AI-generated misinformation is not unique to India. Last year, a former Google CEO expressed concern that the 2024 U.S. presidential election would be a “mess” because of AI images. His comments followed the release of an entirely AI-generated video by the Republican Party, illustrating a dystopian scenario if Joe Biden were to win a second term in office.
As AI technology continues to evolve, its impact on political campaigns and elections remains a growing concern worldwide. The steps taken by India’s Election Commission may serve as a precedent for other nations grappling with the challenges posed by AI-generated misinformation in their electoral processes.
