Artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to grow in popularity and be applied in many areas, including elections. While the potential of AI to improve the electoral process is recognized, the misuse and abuse of AI technology has also come to the fore, as seen in recent elections around the world.
In Indonesia, the use of AI and deepfakes became prominent ahead of the presidential election in February 2024.1 In Turkey, AI-generated deepfake videos entered the campaign scene ahead of the election on March 31, 2024. Ahead of South Korea's parliamentary elections in April 2024, 129 election-related deepfakes were discovered.3
In response to the misuse of AI in elections, the Election Commission of India (COMELEC) has urged lawmakers to pass a law banning the use of AI and deepfakes, with less than a year to go until the 2025 midterm elections.
The National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel)
The reasons for banning the use of AI in elections are as follows:
1. It could stifle innovation and unintentionally limit the benefits of AI in improving the election process.
2. AI technology is evolving rapidly, potentially making regulations ineffective.
3. Banning or restricting the use of AI could infringe on freedom of speech and expression.
4. The Comelec may face challenges in enforcing laws banning or regulating AI, as implementing and enforcing the laws will require expertise and new skills.
Namfrel recommended that the Election Monitoring Committee develop a code of conduct that includes ethical principles to be adhered to by all parties involved in the election. The principles were discussed at a roundtable discussion held at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) on June 26, 2024, and included representatives from election monitoring groups, the information technology industry, AI experts, academia, and the public.
and the Election Commission.
Principle 1: Transparency.
The use of AI in creating election-related content (including political ads) must be disclosed and such election-related content must be appropriately marked. Disclosure should include funding sources, expenditure, AI techniques used, data on the target audience, and the sources of such data. Transparency should extend to the entire AI ecosystem, from content creation to audience targeting, and social media platforms should proactively
Participate in and adhere to the Code of Conduct.
Principle 2: Respect for human rights
AI-generated content must not violate individuals’ right to vote, digital rights, or privacy rights.
Harmful AI uses could be punished, but this would need to be balanced with freedom of speech, supported by mechanisms to rapidly respond to complaints about AI and inform people of their potential rights.
AI-generated content violations.
Principle 3: Accountability
Candidates and political parties can register their intention to use AI in their election campaigns,
Be open to audits of AI-generated content. Legal liabilities and penalties are
Candidates, political parties, election teams, PR/advertising companies, etc.
We were responsible for the development and creation of AI-generated content. Shared responsibility is important.
Because it is difficult to detect and monitor by election authorities alone.
Principle 4: Integrity
AI-generated content must maintain data integrity, and social media platforms must proactively
Moderation of election-related content. To ensure veracity, candidates, political parties,
Information and media supported by clear, truthful sources and mechanisms for fact-checking information.
Principle 5: Impartiality and non-discrimination
AI-generated content must be reviewed to detect discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.
Age, socioeconomic status, religion, and other protected characteristics (with safeguards in place)
To prevent such bias, discriminatory content generated by AI will be
It has been published.
Principle 6: Supervision by COMELEC
The COMELEC may establish committees or tasks to perform its supervisory functions.
Laws to monitor the use of AI in generating election-related content, including AI-
Generate political ads with a focus on detecting misinformation and disinformation,
The COMELEC should implement a reporting and complaints process to regulate AI.
Generates election-related goods (AI-GEP). COMELEC is responsible for the election of candidates, politicians,
Introducing self-regulatory mechanisms for political parties and other stakeholders regarding the use of AI in elections and electoral campaigns.
Election-related activities.
