Cyber Awareness: AI and U.S. Election Season

As the 2024 U.S. election season approaches, citizens across the country will soon vote for the next president. But unlike past elections, this year marks the first time that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could potentially pose a risk to the election process.

AI, which is powered by data from sources like user inputs, news articles, and research, can automate tasks, answer questions in a more human-like manner, and even assist in decision-making. However, AI doesn't always produce accurate or helpful information, which could lead to confusion or misinformation during this election season.

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To stay informed and make smart decisions during the 2024 election, here are some important tips:

Be Aware of Data Manipulation

It's no secret that AI tools collect shared data from social media and other platforms to build their datasets. While data sharing can be beneficial, it also carries risks. Personal data collection allows users to receive ads and content tailored to their interests. However, if the data shows a user engaging with conspiracy theories or emotionally charged content regarding the U.S. election, the AI tools may produce personalized ads that amplify these negative narratives. This can lead to a skewed perception of information, as users might not be exposed to balanced viewpoints, potentially swaying their votes. To prevent this from happening, it is encouraged to limit data sharing and cookie usage on any website or app. In addition, if you are wanting to read political news, make sure it is through multiple sources to help diverse the AI data sharing algorithm.

Be Aware of Misinformation Through Chatbots

Chatbots are incredibly useful for addressing general questions, comments, or concerns. They enable companies and social platforms to automate responses for common inquiries, providing users with an interactive way to engage. With the rise of AI, these chatbots are now programmed with more diverse data than ever, thanks to open-source information and extensive data collection. However, the information provided by these bots is not always accurate. If they are trained on biased information, particularly during election season, they may inadvertently spread misinformation to users interacting with them. This risk has recently been observed on platforms like X.

If you use chatbots for political information, ensure you cross-check all information to validate its authenticity. If you discover any inaccuracies, submit a support ticket to inform the website administrators about the potential misinformation.

Be Aware of Deepfakes Social engineering today is markedly different from what people traditionally associate with it, such as phishing emails or random phone calls asking for gift cards. With the rise of technology, AI has introduced a new tactic through deepfakes. Deepfakes enable the creation of videos and audio clips that convincingly mimic real individuals, making it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never actually did.

Multiple news outlets, including Time Magazine, have reported on the emergence of deepfakes involving presidential candidates. These manipulated media can significantly influence public perception and potentially sway electoral votes.

To reduce the risk of falling victim to unauthorized deepfakes, pay close attention to signs of manipulation. Carefully observe both visual and audio elements to detect any inconsistencies or unnatural inflections. Additionally, always cross-reference information with reliable sources regarding the U.S. election. If you encounter a video related to the election, think before sharing it; doing so without verification could inadvertently contribute to the spread of false information.

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There are some positive impacts with AI and the U.S. election season, but it is important to stay informed with the usage of these emerging technologies to stay safe and ensure the data you engaged with is authentic to the truth. For more information about cyber threats and the U.S. election season, check out CyberSpeak Labs podcast, Defenders in lab Coats to learn more about this topic: https://youtu.be/Ji3JM0PqhJc?si=NSAa8wzikXeMJ4_A