New data shows that OpenAI's tools are increasingly being used to influence elections and related processes around the world.
In a 54-page report, OpenAI said it has disrupted “more than 20 businesses and deceptive networks around the world that attempted to use our models.” Essentially, fake accounts were using tools to create misleading AI-powered articles and similar social media posts.
The OpenAI report was released today, about a month before the US presidential election . Overall, 2024 was a significant year for elections around the world, with several more countries scheduled to hold elections by the end of the year. The rise of AI- generated content has led to serious concerns about election-related disinformation . The number of deepfakes is growing by 900% each year, according to data from Clarity.
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Disinformation in elections is not a new phenomenon. It has been a significant problem since the 2016 US presidential campaign, when Russians began spreading false content on social media platforms. In 2020, social networks were flooded with disinformation about Covid and election fraud.
Today, lawmakers are more concerned about the rise of generative AI, which became particularly popular in late 2022 with the launch of ChatGPT. It is now being adopted by companies of all sizes.
OpenAI wrote in its report that election-related uses of AI “ ranged from simple requests for content production, to complex, multi-stage efforts to analyze and respond to social media posts .” The social media content was primarily related to elections in the US and Rwanda, and to a lesser extent, elections in India and the EU.
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Examples of abuse of AI tools
In late August, Iranians used OpenAI tools to create “long-form articles” and social media commentary about the US election.
In July, the company banned ChatGPT in Rwandathat were posting comments on X about the election.
In June, another disinformation, generating commentary about the European Parliament elections in France and politics in the US, Germany, Italy and Poland.
In May, an Israeli company used ChatGPT to generate social media comments about an election in India. OpenAI wrote that it was able to address the case in less than 24 hours.
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The use of artificial intelligence to interfere in elections is a growing concern for governments and organizations responsible for ensuring fair and secure electoral processes. It highlights the need for increased cybersecurity, including the development of defense mechanisms specifically related to artificial intelligence.
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There is an urgent need for regulations and guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in order to maintain the integrity of democratic processes.
It is important for all stakeholders to work together to protect democratic systems from malicious attacks through artificial intelligence.
Source: www.cnbc.com
