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FBI Warns Of Foreign AI Threat In Elections

An FBI seal is seen on a wall on Aug. 10, 2022, in Omaha, Neb. A senior FBI official says the agency is concerned by the potential that foreign adversaries could deploy artificial intelligence

The FBI has raised concerns about the potential use of artificial intelligence by foreign adversaries to meddle in American elections and spread disinformation. A senior official highlighted the growing threat posed by AI technology, emphasizing its potential for misuse in the political realm.

One notable example cited by the official involved the deployment of AI deepfakes in Slovakia, where audio clips impersonating a political figure were circulated on social media just before parliamentary elections. Similarly, in the U.S., robocalls impersonating President Joe Biden were used to discourage voter participation in a primary election.

The official underscored the challenges posed by AI technology to law enforcement, noting that it not only facilitates malicious activities by individuals but also provides foreign governments with sophisticated tools to interfere in elections.

According to the FBI, Russia, Iran, and China are the primary countries of concern in the current election year. Past intelligence assessments have indicated varying motives behind these countries' efforts to influence American elections, with Russia allegedly favoring Republican candidates and engaging in operations to undermine confidence in the electoral process.

A recent intelligence report revealed that Russia aimed to denigrate the Democratic Party and weaken U.S. support for Ukraine in the 2022 midterm election. China, on the other hand, targeted races involving candidates critical of its policies, while Iran focused on exploiting social divisions.

Looking ahead to the 2024 election cycle, FBI officials anticipate continued interference efforts from China and are monitoring Russia's behavior in light of the conflict in Ukraine. The use of AI technology in election interference poses a complex and evolving threat that law enforcement agencies are actively addressing.

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