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By Jeremy Stone, October 14, 2024.
As artificial intelligence takes on a growing role in political strategy and governance, its power to influence elections brings both opportunities and risks.
In 2018, Jair Bolsonaro's campaign leveraged AI tools to target Brazilian voters with unprecedented precision, analyzing social media trends and tailoring messages to resonate with different groups. The strategy was a success, helping him win the presidency. This watershed moment highlighted the growing power of AI in political campaigns. But the same technology also raises concerns, including its potential for spreading misinformation and undermining democracy. Today, AI's influence on politics is rapidly expanding, particularly as we approach pivotal elections in the U.S. and Europe. From generating campaign content to micro-targeting swing voters, AI has transformed the way campaigns are run. Yet, as it becomes more powerful, the ethical dilemmas surrounding its use are becoming harder to ignore. For decades, political campaigns have used data to inform strategies, but AI elevates this to a whole new level. By analyzing vast amounts of voter data, including social media interactions and behavioral patterns, AI allows campaigns to create highly personalized outreach efforts. This precision targeting is crucial, especially in close races, where the ability to reach undecided voters can make the difference between winning and losing. In the 2020 U.S. elections, AI played a significant role, not just in data analysis, but in content creation as well. AI-generated content—social media posts, speeches, even campaign emails—enabled candidates to respond to real-time events faster than ever. For example, AI can now generate high-quality videos or images on demand, responding instantly to campaign developments. However, this raises a critical question: How much of what voters see is genuine? As AI-generated content becomes harder to distinguish from human-created media, it becomes easier to blur the line between truth and fiction. In 2024, AI is expected to play an even larger role, with both major political parties in the U.S. using AI to craft and disseminate messages faster than ever before. While AI offers significant advantages in campaign efficiency and personalization, it also presents dangerous risks, particularly when it comes to misinformation. Deepfakes and "softfakes"—AI-generated content that doesn’t attempt to fully deceive but still manipulates reality—are becoming more prevalent in political campaigns. In the run-up to the 2024 U.S. elections, there have already been instances of AI-generated videos designed to discredit political opponents by creating false narratives. For example, AI-generated content portraying Vice President Kamala Harris in a misleading context was shared widely on social media, contributing to a distorted public perception. Such disinformation can manipulate voters’ beliefs, especially when shared across platforms where people tend to engage with content that aligns with their pre-existing views. The problem isn’t just with deepfakes. AI can generate content that is only subtly misleading but still powerful enough to influence voter behavior. These techniques are particularly dangerous in an era where voters are inundated with content, making it harder to separate fact from fiction. Voters are becoming increasingly aware of AI’s growing role in politics, but their reactions are mixed. While some see AI as a tool for creating more efficient and responsive campaigns, many are wary of its potential to spread disinformation. A 2023 Pew Research study revealed that 60% of voters were concerned about AI's role in amplifying fake news and misleading information during elections. Politicians and activists have also raised concerns about transparency. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, for example, warned in a recent speech that AI, if left unregulated, could become a "weapon of mass deception." She emphasized the need for clearer regulations to ensure voters are informed when they’re interacting with AI-generated content. As AI continues to shape political campaigns, governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate it effectively. In the U.S., states like New York have introduced legislation requiring campaigns to disclose AI-generated content. The goal is to prevent the spread of disinformation that can skew election outcomes. Meanwhile, the European Union's AI Act aims to create a regulatory framework for the ethical use of AI in politics. The Act enforces strict transparency standards, requiring politicians to disclose how AI influences their campaigns. These regulations are a critical step toward ensuring that AI does not erode the integrity of elections. However, many experts worry that regulations may not keep pace with AI’s rapid evolution. As AI technologies become more sophisticated, they will likely outstrip current laws, making it essential for governments to continually update legal frameworks. The Future of AI in Politics Looking ahead, AI’s role in politics will likely continue to grow. Experts predict that AI tools will become even more powerful, capable of predicting voter behavior with remarkable accuracy. This could lead to even more precise micro-targeting, with campaigns customizing their messages down to the individual level. At the same time, advancements in AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes, could make disinformation harder to detect. Without strong regulatory oversight, there is a risk that elections could be increasingly shaped by misleading or false AI-generated content. In this new era, transparency and accountability will be key. As political campaigns become more reliant on AI, voters, lawmakers, and tech companies will need to work together to ensure that the technology is used responsibly. The central question remains: Can AI be trusted to enhance democracy, or will it ultimately undermine it? The answer will depend on how we regulate and control this powerful technology in the years to come. Europe has already decimated its own digital technology base with mountains of red tape By G. Robert Walters, Sept. 2024
Brussels is trying to shackle America's innovation into the unexplored universe that is artificial intelligence.
There. I said it. But there's more. Oh so much more. You may have noticed California sending Ai bills to the governor's desk for approval. But are you as surprised as I was to find that the EU's, Ai Regulation forces, have planted their flag in Silicon Valley? In 2023 they opened an office on American soil. Over the last 12 months or so, California has been making headlines over the Ai regulation bills to hit the governor's desk - approving one, and vetoing another. The world is complicated, once again. Digital Europe is falling back into historical shambles. The caste system remains.
A central authority, the antithesis of America and American doctrine, is established and the United States of America stands alone at the Wall. How soon until we experience the digital Lexington and Concord or has the 'shot heard 'round the World' already been fired ? "Which is better - to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three thousand tyrants one mile away?" Caution -
The current administration, the hollow Clan Biden, appears to lean towards Ai Europa which brings me to this wonderful quote by Mather Byles: "Which is better - to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three thousand tyrants one mile away?" History does not repeat, it rhymes. g🚀☄️ |
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By Charlie G. Peterson, IV, Sept. 2024
Imagine the U.S. losing its leadership in artificial intelligence, overtaken by China and Russia.
This isn't science fiction; it’s a plausible outcome if the European Union's stringent AI regulations continue to affect American innovation. The EU’s 2024 AI Act, while aimed at promoting ethical AI, imposes restrictions that could stifle progress and risk American dominance in this crucial field. "The EU’s AI regulation is well-intended, but it creates a bureaucratic nightmare for innovators," argues Alex Engler in Brookings. These regulations, which classify AI systems based on their perceived risk, may prove too heavy-handed for the fast-moving industry. In 2022, the EU established an office in San Francisco—effectively a “tech embassy”—with the purpose of influencing U.S. companies to comply with European AI standards. As reported by TechCrunch, this strategic move is part of a broader effort to shape global tech policy by establishing a European foothold in Silicon Valley. The consequences are already being felt: U.S. companies like Apple, Google, and OpenAI have faced operational constraints and compliance issues in Europe, leading to scaling back or even shutting down some activities. Google, for instance, recently faced a €1.1 billion fine from EU regulators over issues related to its AI and advertising practices. Meanwhile, as American firms navigate these hurdles, China and Russia are forging ahead. In contrast to the regulatory shackles in Europe, Beijing has taken a more hands-off approach to AI development. This allows Chinese firms like Alibaba and Baidu to make strides in critical areas such as facial recognition and data analytics without similar constraints. In The Diplomat, Eleanor Albert discusses how China’s AI strategy, laid out in the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, includes the goal of becoming the world’s AI leader by 2030. Russia, too, has identified AI as a strategic priority. In 2017, Putin himself famously said, “Whoever becomes the leader in AI will rule the world”, underscoring the stakes. Perhaps most alarming is the U.S. government’s response—or lack thereof. Rather than mounting resistance to the EU’s regulatory overreach, there seems to be a willingness to collaborate. The New York Times recently highlighted how the Biden administration is working closely with Europe on AI policy, despite concerns about the negative impact on American firms. This is particularly concerning at a time when global competitors are moving full steam ahead, unencumbered by such regulations. The stakes for the U.S. are immense. AI is the backbone of future economic and military power. Whether it's autonomous weapons systems, predictive policing, or healthcare innovations, AI is shaping the future. As The Wall Street Journal pointed out, AI is a “geopolitical battleground,” and losing leadership in this space could have far-reaching consequences for national security and global influence. If the U.S. fails to act, it risks ceding this leadership to China and Russia. What’s needed is a firm entrepreneurial and capitalist response, one that pushes back against foreign regulatory overreach while accelerating innovation here in the US, for the entire world. By Robert G. Jordan, October 7, 2024
Artificial intelligence holds the power to both amplify conspiracy theories and dismantle them. The key lies in how we choose to use it.
Artificial intelligence has a significant impact on the spread of conspiracy theories, both by accelerating their reach and by combating them. Social media algorithms powered by AI have amplified the rapid spread of conspiracy theories, pushing content that reinforces existing biases into users' echo chambers. This creates a fertile ground for disinformation and polarization. AI-driven algorithms, such as those on Facebook and Twitter, identify content that captures attention—conspiracies often thrive because they provide sensational and simplified explanations for complex events, appealing to human tendencies to seek patterns and certainty in chaos. On the flip side, AI also has the potential to counter these very theories. Recent experiments using conversational AI like ChatGPT show promise in gently challenging deeply held but unfounded beliefs. AI can present evidence in a calm and logical manner, which may reduce resistance among people entrenched in conspiracy ideologies. According to a Daily Excelsior article, AI was able to debunk some pervasive conspiracy theories, such as those related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 9/11 attacks, shifting some participants' views toward more evidence-based conclusions. Political fallout from AI’s interaction with conspiracy theories is apparent across global politics. In the United States, for example, conspiracy theories related to election interference and misinformation campaigns have been both fueled and exposed by AI-driven technologies. During the Cold War, and even today, leaders have used conspiracies to justify actions or delegitimize opposition, showing how these narratives are often strategically employed in political contexts. AI's dual role—as a tool that both spreads and mitigates conspiracy theories—makes it crucial in shaping political discourse today. While the rapid spread of misinformation presents a clear challenge, the ability of AI to counter such misinformation provides a glimpse of hope in navigating an era increasingly defined by doubts about truth and institutional credibility. |
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🔫AI Political Strategy: How Politicians are Transforming Campaigns...
🔫Stop Overhyping AI Threats to the 2024 Election... 🔫AI in Politics: The fine line between reality and fiction... 🔫AI in politics... 🔫How the 2024 election will test the limits of New York’s AI regulation... 🔫Fact check: How AI influences election campaigns... ‘Over the top’ ad features a fake Mark Robinson. What to know about AI in political ads.An advertisement featuring artificially generated video and audio of the Republican nominee for North Carolina governor could be a sign of what’s to come in political attacks.
We spoke to experts about the use of artificial intelligence in campaigns and how voters can tell when they’re seeing AI. The ad begins with a disclaimer that artificial intelligence was used, but the statements are parodies of comments made by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. An AI-generated Robinson, with extra fingers on each hand, appears sharing conspiracy theories in front of a crowd wielding guns and flags. The minute-long video launched on Sept. 24 and is expected to reach millions across cable networks and social media. It was launched by Americans for Prosparody, the Super PAC behind parody campaigns like “Mark Rottenson for N.C.” The committee’s founder, Todd Stiefel, said his goal was to be humorous while crossing political boundaries. The ad was also intended to respond to pushback on his parody content. Read, here. Ask The San Fran Chronical Ai About Kamala"...an AI-powered tool designed to answer your questions about Harris’ life, her journey through public service and her presidential campaign.
Drawing from thousands of articles written, edited and published by Chronicle journalists since 1995, this tool aims to give readers informed answers about a politician who rose from the East Bay and is now campaigning to become one of the world’s most powerful people. Why don't we have a similar tool for Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president? The answer isn't political. It's because we've been covering Harris since her career began in the Bay Area and have an archive of vetted articles to draw from. Our newsroom can't offer the same level of expertise when it comes to the former president. Ask Here. Ai Prediction #1, A World Without Programmers Ai Prediction #2, A World without Apps Ai Prediction #3, A World Without Operating System Ai Prediction #5, A World Without C-Levels Ai Prediction #6, A World Where Art & Science Are One Ai Prediction #9, An Ai with Human Speech capabilities. Ai Prediction #10, Ai will Prove or Disprove All Our Theories Ai Prediction #12, A World Without Data Ai Prediction #17, A World Without Religion Ai Prediction #20 We Create Our Own Entertainment... All of Greg's Ai Predictions Ai's Geopolitical TurbulenceBy Bernard Marr, Sep. 2024
“Nations across the globe could see their power rise or fall depending on how they harness and manage the development of AI.” We’ve already seen governments impose restrictions on the export of advanced AI technologies to rival nations, usually citing national security concerns.
And the ongoing clamor for control over global semiconductor supply chains is another indicator of the high stakes of this emerging AI arms race. So, how will AI technology developed today impact the future of international collaboration and competition? And how will governments balance the technology’s potential to drive growth and reshape society with the risks it poses to privacy, security, and trust? Full content from Bernard Marr, here. |
