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The Home Secretary has cautioned that AI-generated deepfakes create an ideal situation for those attempting to manipulate the upcoming general election.
According to The Times, James Cleverley stated that these technologies are already being used to deceive and interfere with crucial democratic choices.
Mr. Cleverly is expected to meet with Silicon Valley executives to encourage stronger measures from major tech companies in safeguarding democracy.
In the beginning of this month, several companies agreed to follow a pact that would require them to take necessary measures in order to prevent the misuse of AI tools for interfering in democratic elections across the globe.
Unfortunately, this agreement did not include a promise to prohibit or eliminate deepfakes.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was tricked by a fake recording of an AI, which falsely portrayed him making controversial statements leading up to Armistice Day protests in the previous year.
Today, the competition of concepts and strategies occurs primarily in the dynamic and constantly growing online realm.
The content posted on social media included a simulation of Mr Khan’s voice stating that he was not concerned about the Remembrance weekend and proposing that the memorials be delayed in order to accommodate a pro-Palestinian march.
The UK will hold a general election this year, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. However, the specific date has not been determined.
Mr. Cleverly stated to The Times that in the modern world, the competition between ideas and policies primarily occurs in the constantly evolving and expanding digital realm.
He stated that the use of deepfake and AI-generated materials to deceive and disrupt is currently underway.
The environment in which it exists requires regulations, openness, and protection for those who use it.
The inquiries regarding digital material and its origins are just as important as those made about material and sources in traditional forms such as physical newspapers, newsrooms, or advertisements.
According to Mr Cleverly, individuals with malicious intentions and criminals will try to utilize generative AI technology to rapidly generate numerous illegal images or deepfakes. These can then be distributed freely on encrypted platforms and shared with millions on social media in a matter of seconds without any consequences.
Source: independent.co.uk
