Artificial Intelligence in the 2024 Elections
L’anno 2024 è destinato a essere un momento cruciale nella storia politica globale. Oltre quattro miliardi di persone nel mondo avranno l’opportunità di esprimere il loro voto per presidenti, primi ministri e altri leader politici. Paesi come gli Stati Uniti, l’India, la Gran Bretagna, l’Indonesia, il Messico e Taiwan vedranno la loro popolazione impegnata in elezioni di importanza fondamentale. Tuttavia, l’aspetto più preoccupante di queste elezioni non è tanto chi vincerà , quanto piuttosto il ruolo che l’artificial intelligence (IA) generativa potrebbe giocare nell’intero processo elettorale.
From the Era of Fake News to the Advent of AI-Generated Propaganda
Elezioni e propaganda sono due facce della stessa medaglia, e la storia è ricca di esempi di disinformazione e manipolazione. Tuttavia, quello che differenzia le elezioni del 2024 è la sofisticazione della tecnologia coinvolta. In passato, le campagne di disinformazione erano eseguite da esseri umani che usavano metodi tradizionali, come il passaparola o i media convenzionali. Oggi, con l’avanzamento dei modelli di artificial intelligence, le notizie false possono essere generate in modo più convincente e in quantità industriale. Ma come cambierà realmente questo scenario il panorama delle elezioni e della democrazia?
The Challenges of Quantity and Quality in Disinformation
AI-generated disinformation presents two main types of challenges: quantity and quality. In terms of quantity, imagine a disinformation operation carried out on a massive scale, where thousands or even millions of messages are sent to voters. Furthermore, AI's ability to produce hyper-realistic content, such as audio, photos or video, makes the quality of misinformation more insidious and difficult to detect. All this is made even more effective thanks to the precision of microtargeting, which allows you to personalize propaganda for each individual voter.
Is Trust in Democracy at Risk?
Artificial Intelligence in the 2024 Elections, faced with these new dynamics, trust in democracy could be eroded. Voters, already disenchanted with politics, could become even more cynical and skeptical, refusing to believe any information. However, it is important to note that influencing public opinion is a difficult task, despite the huge budgets spent on propaganda. Historical research suggests that changing voters' opinions is more difficult than we think.
The Importance of Regulation and Countermeasures
Given the inherent risk, several AI companies are taking preventative measures. For example, OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is working to monitor its models and detect potential misuse. Likewise, large platforms like Alphabet and Meta are becoming increasingly sophisticated in recognizing and reporting suspicious accounts and manipulated content. However, regulation has its limits. Platforms like TikTok are designed to foster virality, and relaxing oversight on platforms like Twitter could open the door to more abuse.
Beyond Technological Determinism: The Human Being remains at the Center
Despite these concerns, the Economist's analysis suggests a note of optimism. History has taught us that each new form of media and technology does not have a one-way impact on society. The effects of new media have been widely debated and studied, and the role of the individual as an active interpreter of the message cannot be underestimated. In other words, even in the face of technological innovations such as generative AI, the human being remains the main actor, capable of discernment and choice.
In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence in the 2024 Elections undoubtedly represents a new variable in the complex world of elections, its ability to undermine the foundations of democracy remains a topic open to debate. The future, as always, is in the hands of the voters.
