As AI continues to advance, its potential to influence elections and democracy, both positively and negatively, has become a critical issue. In this episode, we delve into the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and election disinformation with Jonathan Mehta Stein where he discusses how AI, particularly generative AI, can be used to create deepfakes and other misleading content that could destabilize elections, deceive voters, and potentially alter election outcomes. We also explore how nonprofits and community organizations can play a crucial role in combating this emerging threat.

 

Attorneys for this episode

 Quyen Tu, Melissa Marichal Zayas

 

Guest: Jonathan Mehta Stein, Executive Director of California Common Cause and the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED)

 

1. Introduction to AI and Election Disinformation:

   - Jonathan Mehta Stein introduces the concept of AI and its implications for democracy.

   - Overview of CITED (California Initiative for Technology and Democracy) and its mission to protect democracy from AI-powered disinformation.

 

2. Understanding AI and Generative AI:

   - Explanation of artificial intelligence, generative AI, and their applications in everyday life.

   - Discussion of the potential dangers of AI when it comes to sensitive areas like crime prediction and loan approvals.

 

3. Deepfakes and Their Impact on Elections:

   - Definition and examples of deepfakes—AI-generated videos or audio that portray people doing or saying things they never did.

   - The global rise of deepfakes in elections, with examples from Taiwan, Slovakia, and the United States.

 

4. Local Elections and the Threat of Deepfakes:

   - Jonathan shares concerns about deepfakes being used at the local level, where they may go unnoticed and could significantly impact election outcomes.

   - The particular risks faced by communities of color, immigrant communities, and non-English speakers.

 

5. What Can Nonprofits and Community Members Do?

   - Practical steps for verifying information and combating disinformation in your community.

   - The importance of being a trusted messenger and educating your community about digital threats.

 

6. The Role of Tech Companies:

   - How major tech companies are responding (or not) to the challenges posed by AI and disinformation.

   - Discussion on the first U.S. presidential election where AI is playing a significant role.

 

7. Policy Solutions and Legislative Efforts:

   - Overview of the legislation being proposed to regulate AI and disinformation in the election context.

   - CITED’s policy framework for requiring digital watermarks and labeling AI-generated content.

 

8. Parting Thoughts:

   - Jonathan's optimism about the nonprofit sector’s ability to rise to this new challenge, and the urgency of addressing these threats in the short term.

 

Resources

 

- www.cited.tech

- AI Threats in the Election

- Commenting on Candidates in Campaigns

- UC Berkeley IGS Poll on Digital Threats