As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, its influence on politics has become increasingly significant, especially through Generative AI (GenAI). One of the most concerning developments is the “liar’s dividend”—where real, factual content can be dismissed as fake, causing a breakdown in public trust.
How GenAI is Reshaping Political Misinformation
Kroll’s recent insight (“Deepfakes and Misinformation: What Have We Learned About GenAI and Elections?“) highlights how GenAI has transformed the political landscape, particularly by reducing the cost of creating and spreading disinformation. While deepfakes once seemed to be the biggest risk, AI-generated text and audio have proven to be more effective in spreading misleading narratives. This new wave of political disinformation is a growing concern for governments and electoral systems worldwide.
The Liar’s Dividend: A Weapon Against Accountability
A key insight from Kroll’s analysis is the “liar’s dividend,” which refers to the ability of any stakeholder to dismiss true content as AI-manipulated. Kroll explains, “ As people become more aware of how content can be manipulated, or as they become “sensitized” to GenAI content, it becomes easier for dishonest individuals to make others doubt the real content by claiming it is fake.” This dynamic creates significant challenges for accountability, especially in politically polarized environments.
Examples of GenAI Disinformation in Elections
From AI-generated robocalls in President Biden’s voice to deepfake audio clips, GenAI has already been deployed in several political contexts. Although regulators and fact-checkers have improved at identifying and flagging fake content, the scale of disinformation has grown significantly.
Planning for the Future of AI in Politics
While the impact of GenAI hasn’t yet fundamentally reshaped elections, Kroll warns that businesses and governments must strategically plan for AI risks. Taiwan, for example, is leading the charge with its regulatory framework governing AI in elections, but more needs to be done globally to manage AI’s growing role in politics.
About Kroll:
Kroll is a global risk management and financial advisory firm, specializing in cybersecurity, data analytics, and emerging technologies. Their insights into AI’s impact on politics and elections offer critical strategies for navigating the risks of the digital age.
Read more from Kroll here.
