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Elections ‘At Risk’ as AI Deepfakes Target Politicians

The Australian

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Thirty Australian politicians have been identified as deepfake targets as the electoral watchdog warns AI is outpacing the laws designed to protect democracy.

Summary

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has issued a warning that AI-generated deepfakes are targeting at least 30 Australian politicians, posing a significant threat to democratic integrity. The electoral watchdog argues that current legislative frameworks are being outpaced by rapid advancements in frontier AI capabilities, specifically in synthetic media generation. The AEC is advocating for mandatory labelling of AI-generated content in election advertisements to mitigate risks of misinformation and systemic disruption. These findings highlight the urgent need for domestic policy interventions to protect against AI-enabled sociopolitical catastrophic risks.

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Elections ‘at risk’ as AI deepfakes target politiciansThirty Australian politicians have been identified as deepfake targets as the electoral watchdog warns AI is outpacing the laws designed to protect democracy. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Digital Access What’s included Unlimited access on app & web A digital version of Today’s Paper Daily puzzles & Mind Games A subscription to The Wall Street Journal Subscriber-exclusive newsletters & early access to tomorrow’s front pages Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $1 a week for 4 weeks($4 min. cost). Then $44 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews to $44 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $6.50 a week for the first 12 months($338 min. cost) charged as $26 every 4 weeks. Then $26 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription 12 Month Plan costs $338 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $26 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $26 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Student Subscription Verified journalism. Expert analysis. Study smarter and stay informed with a student subscription View offer View offer Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.