Session
Organizer 1: Santosh Babu Sigdel, 🔒Digital Rights Nepal
Organizer 2: Bhattarai Saurav, Digital Rights Nepal
Organizer 3: Dennis Redeker, 🔒
Speaker 1: Roxana Radu, Civil Society, Eastern European Group
Speaker 2: Ayobangira Safari Nshuti, Member of Parliament, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Speaker 3: Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Digital Freedom Coalition
Tapani Tarvainen, Electronic Frontier Finland
Dennis Redeker, University of Bremen (IRPC SC co-chair)
Santosh Sigdel, Digital Rights Nepal (IRPC SC co-chair)
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: Roundtable is the best suited format for this activity as we would like the participants to contribute and actively participate in this discussion highlighting the different country perspective and examples.
A. How are the AI technologies utilized to propagate, detect, and combat election misinformation? B. What ethical considerations and regulatory measures are necessary to govern the use of AI in elections to mitigate the spread of disinformation and ensure electoral integrity? C. How can multi-stakeholder collaboration drive the development and implementation of innovative solutions tailored to the specific challenges of election misinformation?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Through this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding the democratization of disinformation in the context of AI and elections. By exploring governance options and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, the workshop aims to contribute to the development of effective strategies to counter election misinformation and uphold the principles of democracy in the region.
Description:
In this 2024 Super Election Year, where an unprecedented half of the global population is poised to cast their votes, the specter of misinformation casts a long shadow over the electoral landscape. Against this backdrop, this workshop session aims to dissect the multifaceted relationship between AI technology, election misinformation, and governance options. By exploring various perspectives, from technological advancements to regulatory frameworks, this discussion seeks to chart a path forward in mitigating the adverse effects of disinformation on electoral processes. The session will not only diagnose the problem but also prescribe targeted solutions through multi-stakeholder collaboration. By engaging diverse voices, including tech companies, policymakers, civil society actors, and concerned citizens, the panel seeks to foster innovative strategies tailored to the specific challenges of combating election misinformation. This workshop aims to bring together experts from diverse fields such as AI research, policymaking, election analysis, and law to discuss the intersection of AI and election disinformation. Participants will explore topics like algorithms, legislative frameworks, electoral processes, and legal regulations to safeguard democratic integrity. Together, these diverse perspectives will foster a robust and comprehensive discussion aimed at illuminating the intersection of AI and election disinformation, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the democratic process.
The expected outcome of this workshop is to facilitate collaboration among specialists from various fields, including AI research, policymaking, election analysis, and law. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the workshop aims to shed light on the intersection of AI and election disinformation, ultimately working towards the safeguarding of democratic processes. Through robust discussions and knowledge sharing, participants will contribute to the development of strategies and frameworks to address the multifaceted challenges posed by misinformation in elections in the digital age.
Hybrid Format: The organizers will share about the sessions in different forums and encourage online participation. Similarly, it will provide opportunity for the online participants not only to ask question but to share reflection and experiences. There will be on-site and online moderators who will coordinate between the online participants and on-site participants.
Report
AI’s impact on elections in 2023-2024 was less disruptive than expected, primarily used for self-promotion rather than attacks on opponents. It enabled smaller candidates to compete effectively by offering similar campaign resources as larger ones. While AI has positive uses, such as voter outreach, it also raises concerns about disinformation. Addressing these issues requires greater platform transparency and collaboration with election official
AI-driven disinformation poses a risk to election integrity, as seen in Romania’s election cancellation due to foreign interference. Combating this requires a collective effort from platforms, election officials, and voters. Additionally, underlying social issues like poverty and isolation contribute to the spread of disinformation, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach combining technology and societal solutions.
For Social Media Platforms and Regulators: It’s essential for platforms to increase transparency about their algorithms and content promotion practices, ensuring accountability, particularly during sensitive periods like elections. Regulators should focus on enacting the laws that mandates the labeling of AI-generated content instead of outright bans, fostering an open, informed digital environment.
For Election Officials, Fact-Checkers, and Civil Society: Increased fact-checking efforts and digital literacy initiatives are vital to combat disinformation. Additionally, stakeholders must work together to address underlying social issues, such as poverty and isolation, that fuel misinformation, ensuring a more comprehensive and sustainable solution to this growing challenge.
AI and Disinformation: Safeguarding Elections (IGF 2024 WS #255)
Date: 18 Dec 2024
Time: 16:45-17:45 GMT +03
Workshop Organiser: Santosh Babu Sigdel, Digital Rights Nepal; Saurav Bhattarai
Chairperson/Moderator: Tapani Tarvainen, Electronic Frontier Finland; Dennis Redeker, IRPC
Rapporteur/Note Taker: Santosh Sigdel, IRPC
Speakers:
- Roxana Radu, Civil Society, Eastern European Group
- Ayobangira Safari Nshuti, Member of Parliament, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Digital Freedom Coalition
Major Discussion Summary:
The session, moderated by Tapani Tarvainen, brought together experts to explore AI's impact on elections, disinformation, and democratic processes. Panelists included Ayobangira Safari Nshuti, Member of Parliament from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Roxana Radu, Chair of the Global Internet Governance Academic Network at Oxford University; and Babu Ram Aryal, Chair of the Digital Freedom Coalition from Nepal.
AI’s Evolving Role in Elections:
The discussion revealed that AI's role in elections during 2023-2024 was less disruptive than anticipated. Ayobangira Safari Nshuti noted that AI was primarily used for self-promotion rather than as a tool for disinformation. AI tools also enabled smaller candidates to compete with larger ones, thus leveling the political playing field. Roxana Radu further emphasized AI’s dual role, as it was used positively for voter outreach, but also raised concerns regarding the spread of disinformation, as seen in Romania's election, which was canceled due to foreign interference involving AI.
Platform Governance and Transparency:
The conversation highlighted the need for increased transparency from social media platforms, particularly regarding the algorithms that determine content promotion. The speakers stressed the importance of understanding how algorithms treat different types of content during sensitive periods such as elections. They also discussed the role of AI in content moderation, which, despite its potential, has limitations, especially for local language content. This highlighted the importance of more robust and human-driven content moderation.
Election Integrity and Trust:
The integrity of elections was underscored as a critical concern, particularly with AI potentially undermining voter trust. Examples like the Romanian election cancellation emphasized the need for safeguards beyond just voting, to protect all aspects of the election process. The panel also discussed vulnerabilities related to e-voting and AI-powered attacks on election systems.
Addressing Disinformation and Social Issues:
The discussion extended beyond technological solutions, with the panelists agreeing that disinformation could not be tackled by technology alone. Addressing underlying social issues such as poverty and isolation was seen as vital for combating the spread of disinformation. The importance of digital literacy and fact-checking initiatives was emphasized to improve public resilience against misinformation.
Outcome and Key Takeaways:
- AI’s Impact on Elections: The expected dramatic impact of AI in elections did not fully materialize, with AI primarily being used for self-promotion rather than attacks on opponents.
- Campaign Tools: AI provided smaller candidates with similar campaign tools to those used by larger candidates, helping them compete more effectively.
- Mixed Uses of AI: AI was used both positively for voter outreach and negatively for disinformation spread.
- Platform Governance: Transparency in algorithms and content promotion practices is crucial, particularly with reduced human moderation.
- Election Integrity: Election integrity remains a pressing concern, as demonstrated by Romania’s election cancellation due to AI-driven foreign interference.
- Multiple Stakeholders’ Responsibility: Platforms, government, political parties, election officials, and voters all share responsibility for combating disinformation.
- Social Issues: Factors like poverty and social isolation contribute to disinformation spread, requiring a more comprehensive solution.
Resolutions and Action Items:
- Transparency: Social media platforms must provide greater transparency regarding their algorithms and content promotion practices.
- Accountability: Platforms should take extra precautions during sensitive times like elections to avoid misuse.
- Fact-checking & Digital Literacy: Increased focus on digital literacy and more fact-checkers are needed to combat disinformation effectively.
Conclusion:
This session highlighted the evolving and complex role of AI in elections. While some fears did not materialize, new challenges emerged, signaling that AI can both enhance and undermine democratic processes. Panelists stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to safeguard election integrity in the AI era, which includes not only technological governance but also addressing broader societal issues. This session marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation, with adaptive strategies being essential as AI continues to advance in shaping democratic processes.