As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, so do the challenges it poses, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 election. A new assessment by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), obtained by ABC News, highlights the potential misuse of AI technologies, which could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

According to the DHS report, generative AI tools offer opportunities for both domestic and foreign actors to interfere with the election. These tools can be used to aggravate emerging events, disrupt election processes, or attack infrastructure. The report warns that AI-generated content, such as deepfakes and manipulated media, can be exploited to influence and sow discord among voters.

John Cohen, former intelligence chief at DHS, emphasized the immediacy of the threat, stating that both foreign and domestic actors are increasingly using AI to conduct illegal operations. The DHS bulletin details past incidents of cyber-enabled attacks on elections, including voice spoofing and disinformation campaigns, and cautions that AI’s innovative capabilities could further these threats in the future.

For example, a robocall using AI-generated audio of President Joe Biden circulated before the New Hampshire primary, misleading voters. The DHS analysis underscored the challenge of countering such content swiftly, as its impact can spread rapidly across online platforms.

Elizabeth Neumann, a former DHS assistant secretary, noted the difficulty voters will face in discerning truth from AI-manipulated content, which could significantly impact their perceptions and decisions. The intertwining of misinformation, disinformation, and rapidly evolving AI technologies presents a complex threat landscape, exacerbated by current socio-political tensions and ongoing conflicts abroad.

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines informed the Senate that the threat from AI-enabled foreign influence actors is growing. She emphasized that while the U.S. government is better prepared than ever to address these challenges, the sophistication of AI tools requires constant vigilance and adaptation.

Experts urge that public education and preparation are crucial. State and local officials must have robust plans to counteract and correct AI-generated misinformation quickly. As Cohen pointed out, using outdated strategies to combat modern threats is ineffective, likening it to bringing a knife to a gunfight.