In 2024, over half the world’s population will go to the polls in a political landscape being profoundly reshaped by technological advancements. One panel of experts dove into this digital evolution, highlighting both its dangers and its advantages at the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The panel underscored several pressing threats. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for sophisticated informational attacks. These attacks – which can range from lies about candidates to attacking electoral commissions – aim to disrupt and delegitimise elections. Criminal networks are becoming increasingly adept at breaching security protocols, manipulating data and altering public perception.
The technological challenges which came to the fore during Mexico’s recent presidential campaign mirrored global trends. It was reported that bots were used to spread misinformation against Claudia Sheinbaum, the now president-elect. However, Sheinbaum’s party, Morena, has also faced accusations of spreading pro-government information and attacking critics.
Investigations by Animal Político, a Mexican digital outlet, and Signa Lab uncovered networks of bots, semi-bots, trolls and supporters systematically attacking critics of the administration and promoting favourable narratives about the president. These findings highlight the complexity and scale of digital manipulation in modern political campaigns, demonstrating the urgent need for transparency and regulation in the digital space.
Another major threat discussed at the IACC panel was the rampant spread of disinformation and misinformation on social media. This is exacerbated by the rise of AI, which can create and disseminate false narratives and simulate teenagers enthusiastically talking about political positions..
In response to these threats, the panellists proposed several proactive strategies to bolster trust in the electoral process. One key recommendation was to develop robust communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. They emphasised the importance of establishing integrity guidelines for social media companies. This involves creating frameworks for meaningful engagement between election authorities and technology firms, and ensuring transparent policies for sharing information around elections. Such measures would help voters access high-quality, reliable information, if applied universally.
The dual capability of AI to both safeguard and undermine electoral integrity highlights the urgent necessity for comprehensive regulatory frameworks and advanced technological solutions to address these risks effectively.
Fact-checkers were also highlighted as crucial allies in the fight against disinformation. By verifying and debunking false claims, fact-checkers play a strategic role in maintaining the integrity of the electoral discourse on social media platforms.
Despite these threats, the panel noted that the digital era has the potential to engage voters more effectively and provide a platform for underrepresented and minority groups, who often find limited representation in mainstream media. Digital tools can facilitate greater political participation and transparency, ultimately strengthening democratic processes.
In conclusion, while the digital era presents significant threats to the integrity of elections, it also offers valuable opportunities to improve democratic engagement. By addressing the challenges head-on and leveraging the advantages of technology, societies can work towards more secure and inclusive electoral processes.
To counter this, experts on the panel suggested adopting an “informational integrity approach” to safeguard the authenticity of information circulated during elections. The potential of AI to both protect and harm electoral integrity underscores the critical need for robust regulatory frameworks and technological solutions to mitigate these risks.
