PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Artificial intelligence technology is advancing rapidly, and experts say it's now possible for anyone to create highly realistic images and videos in just minutes from home.
Advances in technology are giving some security experts a headache when it comes to stopping the spread of misinformation ahead of the 2024 election.
“If you thought that election cycle was bad in terms of misinformation and disinformation, you haven't seen anything yet,” said Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security. .
Misinformation in the 2024 Election Cycle
Misinformation is nothing new When it comes to American political discourse. It spread through social media during the 2020 cycle.
But this year's election coincides with major advances in artificial intelligence technology. This makes creating fake videos, audio, and images of top political figures much easier and makes them look more realistic.
“In 2024, AI-powered deepfakes will cause an explosion in misinformation,” Taylor said.
Artificial intelligence is already entering the fray in 2024. During the New Hampshire primary election in January, Robocalls were sent to Democrats In the state, he is imitating President Joe Biden's voice. In the call, he reportedly urged people to “save their votes for the November election” and skip the primary.
Robocalls aren't the biggest concern for security experts
But it's not even these calls that worry security experts like Taylor the most.
“I'm actually not too worried about people creating deepfakes of presidents and other celebrities,” Taylor said. “Rather, I'm not really concerned about people creating deepfakes of presidents or other celebrities. I'd rather see deepfakes of people we know and trust in our private lives against our adversaries.” “I'm much more concerned about what they're going to create.”
Taylor said that could include calls imitating the voices of local poll workers, religious leaders and even loved ones. That's why his new group, his The Future US, created his PSA featuring his AI-generated voice showing just that scenario.
If you're wondering how someone can get a sample of your voice, experts say there's a good chance it's already out there.
“If you have a video or audio recording of you on social media, someone could access it and use it to train a voice training generator,” said Matthew Stam, professor and director of the Multimedia Information Security Laboratory at Drexel University. You can do that.” .
How is Pennsylvania handling AI and the 2024 election?
Pennsylvania officials are also paying attention.
“There is no question that AI poses very different or even greater challenges.” Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt Said.
Schmidt acknowledged that the battleground state of Pennsylvania is likely to be a target for bad actors, and that advances in AI could make it even more so. But he assured voters that voting is safe and that election officials are prepared for whatever this cycle may bring.
“Everyone, whether it's our task force or county election officials, will be preparing for what 2024 has in store,” Schmidt said.