AI will affect the 2024 elections | The TechTank Podcast

Recent advancements in AI-generated content are revolutionizing the landscape of election campaigns, exemplified by the use of Deepfakes and AI-generated voices. This trend signals some worrisome developments facilitated by the swift evolution of digital technology, equipping politicians with innovative and rapid tools for political messaging while also enhancing the capacity to manufacture fake images. Gone are the days of simple photo manipulation; we are now entering an era marked by extensive digital content creation and dissemination. This shift blurs the lines between real and fake content, presenting significant challenges on both sides of the political aisle. 

With a major election rapidly approaching, many political figures are increasingly vocal about their concerns regarding the use of AI in campaign strategies. As the influence of artificial intelligence continues to grow, it has become a focal point for discussions on the security and integrity of electoral processes. Notably, members of Congress have taken their concerns directly to tech industry leaders, such as Meta, X, and YouTube. They have raised alarm about the possibility of AI-generated political ads, sparking debates on transparency, accountability, and the need for regulatory measures to ensure the transparency and authenticity of political discourse in this new era of politics. The combination of AI’s rapid response capabilities and the likely closeness of the looming election underscores the urgency of addressing these issues soon in order to preserve the integrity of democratic processes and maintain public trust in the political landscape. 

In this episode of The TechTank Podcast, co-host Darrell West engages in a conversation with Elaine Kamarck, the founding director of the Center for Effective Public Management and a senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. Together, they explore the transformative impact of AI on the political landscape and what lies ahead for the upcoming election. 

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