Deepfake Identity Theft: The Emerging Threat
As the technology behind deepfakes advances, it will become increasingly difficult to distinguish fake AI pictures and videos from real ones, warns a professor from the University of California, Berkeley.
As the 2024 election cycle gains momentum, an AI image analyst has called for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to consider implementing rules to prevent political campaigns from using artificial intelligence to create deceptive ads that mislead voters.
In an opinion piece for The Hill, Hany Farid, a professor from the University of California, Berkeley, emphasized the need for the FEC to regulate the use of manipulated media by campaigns. He stated, “Manipulating the photographic record is only the first step in spreading lies.”
Several presidential campaigns have already utilized artificial intelligence to deceptively manipulate their ads. Notably, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign used AI-generated audio and video to criticize former President Trump’s policies, including a fake image of Trump hugging Anthony Fauci.
Deepfake AI Images and Videos: A Warning from U.C. Berkeley Professor
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“The real issue lies not in AI or technology, but in the standards we expect from our current and future leaders,” remarked Farid. He argued that it is imperative for politicians to uphold truthfulness in their campaigns.
A political action committee supporting DeSantis even created an ad featuring AI-generated audio mimicking Trump’s voice to criticize Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, based on comments Trump wrote on Truth Social but never spoke aloud.
Furthermore, another video released by Trump’s campaign used artificial intelligence to recreate DeSantis’ 2024 presidential announcement on Twitter. The parody video included fictional guests such as billionaire Democratic donor George Soros, World Economic Forum Chair Klaus Schwab, former Vice President Dick Cheney, Adolf Hitler, the devil, and the FBI.
Former President Donald Trump and Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis have both utilized artificial intelligence in their campaign ads. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images)
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
“Disinformation campaigns will now be fueled by generative AI audio, images, and videos,” warned Farid in an interview with Fox News. “Every time I see a president, candidate, CEO, or reporter speak, there is now a lingering doubt.”
The FEC recently moved forward with a petition filed by nonprofit organization Public Citizen, which aims to include deceptive AI-generated content in the commission’s ban on “fraudulent misrepresentation” in campaign ads. Additional action will be considered by the FEC after the public comment period concludes on October 16.
Regulating AI: Concerns from Lawmakers
Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the influence of AI on elections, particularly the upcoming 2024 presidential race. Connecticut Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal stated, “Right now, we’re in the Wild West. AI enables not only the appropriation of creative products, but also impersonation, deepfakes, and a lot of other harmful activities.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal believes that deepfake videos will significantly impact the 2024 elections. (Jon Michael Raasch/Fox News Digital)
Meanwhile, the AI Accountability Act is progressing through the House. If enacted, the bill would require the Commerce Department to collaborate with industry stakeholders to produce a report within 18 months, outlining the threats posed by AI systems.
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“The landscape of photographic manipulation is vast and ever-evolving, extending beyond the capabilities of today’s generative AI,” wrote Farid. He emphasized that the combination of generative AI, social media’s rapid distribution and amplification, and an information ecosystem already plagued by misinformation poses a real threat.
To watch the latest interview with Farid by Digital Originals, click here.
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