Description

A parliamentary inquiry has rebuffed calls for laws banning AI-generated fake images and videos in election campaigns despite acknowledging the technology will almost certainly be used to spread disinformation. Crossbench senators have slammed the decision, which they say exposes Australia to deceptive AI content in the upcoming election, threatening to undermine trust in democracy. AI-generated deepfakes have already been witnessed during election campaigns oversees this year, including in South Korea, where the government fast-tracked laws to criminalise their use of political campaign videos.

Summary

The article covers a parliamentary inquiry in Australia that has decided against implementing laws to ban AI-generated deepfakes in election campaigns. This decision, despite recognizing the potential for AI technology to disseminate disinformation, has been criticized by crossbench senators who fear it could erode democratic trust. The use of deepfakes in elections has already been observed internationally, such as in South Korea, where swift legislative action was taken to criminalize their use in political contexts. This reflects a growing concern in the global AI policy discourse about the threats AI deepfakes pose to democratic processes.

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