The era of AI persuasion in elections is about to begin

MIT
MIT
1M ago
The rise of AI-driven persuasion in politics presents a significant challenge to democratic integrity. Without timely and effective regulations, the potential for manipulation in future elections could undermine public trust and democratic processes.
The era of AI persuasion in elections is about to begin

Key insights

  • 1

    AI's Persuasive Power: AI chatbots can shift voter opinions significantly, outperforming traditional political ads.

  • 2

    Low-Cost Influence Campaigns: AI enables personalized messaging for under $1 million, targeting millions of voters.

  • 3

    Regulatory Gaps: U.S. regulations on AI in politics are outdated, leaving a vacuum for misuse.

  • 4

    Foreign Threats: Countries like China and Russia are poised to exploit AI for political manipulation.

A What happened
In January 2024, New Hampshire residents received AI-generated calls that mimicked Joe Biden, urging them to skip the primary. This incident underscores the growing concern over AI's ability to influence elections. Recent research indicates that AI chatbots can shift voter opinions more effectively than traditional ads, with some studies showing shifts of up to 25 percentage points. The technology allows for the creation of personalized messages at a low cost, making it accessible for various actors, including foreign adversaries. As the U.S. prepares for future elections, the lack of robust regulations raises alarms about the potential for AI to manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic processes. Policymakers are urged to address these challenges before the next presidential election.

Topics

Technology & Innovation Artificial Intelligence World & Politics Elections Policy & Regulation

Read the full article on MIT

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