How are political leaders using AI to influence the US Election?
An AI-generated image of crowds of women wearing 'Swifties for Trump' t-shirts
Tabitha von Kaufmann, Research Assistant at the AI, Faith and Civil Society Commission
This is the first of three articles which seek to explore the role of AI in the democratic process. In this article, the focus will be on the use of AI in central political campaigns.
With the US election soon approaching, the fight for votes on both sides is fiercer than ever. Who has the best policies? Who is more trustworthy? Who will lead the country forward towards a brighter future? These are questions which are occupying the thoughts of both voters and many others spectating around the world. Yet, there is another force at play in the US election, one which is potentially reshaping the way in which US citizens are choosing to cast their vote through the distortion of truth: AI technology. Indeed, over the past few months, there have been countless occasions where various actors have used AI to manipulate information to steer votes one way or another.
AI Manipulation by Central Political Campaigns
In August 2024, Donald Trump shared various AI-generated images of Taylor Swift and her fans supporting him in what can be perceived as an attempt to boost his reputation and popularity through celebrity endorsement. The shared images include a clearly false cartoon-like image of Taylor Swift in a patriotic outfit with the caption ‘Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump’ alongside numerous photos of girls wearing t-shirts with the slogan ‘Swifties for Trump.’ While the images of the crowds of girls are AI generated, it has been reported that the top-right and bottom-right image of the girl wearing a white t-shirt are in fact real images. The fusion of real and fake images into one singular post sends a confusing message to viewers about the truth of the images collectively.
AI has also been used by Trump to cast doubt about the reality of real images. In August 2024, Trump accused Kamala Harris of using AI to augment a picture of a crowd in a Michigan campaign photo to make it appear larger. This claim, however, was later disproven after video footage of the crowd was released. This is an alarming example as it demonstrates how the continued use of AI makes it difficult to discern truth. It is entirely possible that as a society we will reach a point where no images can be trusted sources of information.
Direct Implications
Influencing the way people vote
First and foremost, false AI-generated media may change the way people choose to vote. This is a particular threat to swing voters (people who make up their mind in final days before an election) who may be basing their decision largely on what they see on social media. Furthermore, targeted campaigns and AI algorithms can significantly reduce the diversity of perspectives that individuals are exposed to.
Eroding Public Trust and Objective Truth
Perhaps the more fundamental implication of AI election media is that continued use will lead to voters to lose trust in anything or anyone. Indeed, this already appears to be the case as indicated by Pew Research Centre who highlight that “57% of US adults say they are very concerned that people or organisations seeking to influence election will use AI to create and distribute fake or misleading information about candidates and campaigns.” In time, people may opt to not vote altogether due to lack of trust in politicians and inability to discern objective truth amidst the multitude of false media. Ultimately, AI severely threatens the integrity of political discourse.
Human Values Risk Analysis
Truth and Reality – HIGH RISK
The authenticity of election materials is compromised, making it difficult to discern real information from misinformation.
Authentic Relationships – HIGH RISK
Public trust in government diminishes, leading to a breakdown in relationships and confidence in leadership.
Moral Autonomy – HIGH RISK
Voters may be unduly influenced by AI in their electoral choices. In the case of deepfakes, certain individuals are being used to publicise or promote certain standpoints which are different from their own which strips them of their autonomy.
Dignity of Work – MEDIUM RISK
The fundamental responsibilities of governance are undermined, as leaders may exploit AI to fabricate lies and create misleading narratives for personal gain. True leadership should be defined by character and integrity, not deception.
Cognition and Creativity – MEDIUM RISK
Voter decisions may be swayed by AI algorithms rather than through independent research and critical analysis of political parties.
Privacy and Freedom – LOW RISK
No direct impact on privacy and freedom
Policy Recommendations
1. Ban on Deceptive AI Practices
Implement legal restrictions on the use of AI to impersonate real individuals (e.g., deepfake voices or images) or spread misinformation. Fines could be imposed on campaigns or individuals using AI to mislead voters.
2. Pledge for Ethical AI Use by Candidates
Political candidates and parties should be encouraged or required to sign a public pledge that they will not use AI in ways that distort truth or manipulate voters.
3. Fact-Checking Collaboration
Fund non-partisan, independent fact-checking organisations to work with government agencies, tech companies, and media outlets to provide real-time checks on AI-generated political content
4. Global AI Ethics Committee for Elections
Considering that the manipulative use of AI in elections often arises in a trans-national context, countries could collectively create an international body that monitors AI's role in political processes globally, working with countries to improve regulations and share best practices for preventing AI-driven election manipulation.
References
Trump uses AI photos to falsely imply Taylor Swift endorsed him - BBC News
Trump falsely claims Harris crowd was faked - BBC News
AI in the 2024 election: Most Republicans, Democrats are concerned | Pew Research Center
How AI Is Being Used to Influence the 2024 Election (nymag.com)
AI's growing influence: How election integrity is at risk worldwide (techwireasia.com)
AI will change American elections, but not in the obvious way (economist.com)