Leading officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ) have voiced apprehensions about the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to escalate interference in the upcoming presidential election. At a recent meeting of the DOJ's Election Threats Task Force, officials highlighted the risks associated with AI being utilized to disseminate misinformation and hate speech.
Attorney General Merrick Garland underscored the evolving complexities and dangers surrounding election interference, acknowledging the urgency of addressing technological impacts on the forthcoming election, particularly those originating from foreign actors. Garland emphasized the DOJ's commitment to safeguarding voter safety and democracy, pledging relentless efforts to confront potential threats.
Garland outlined the DOJ's collaborative approach, involving its National Security Division and the FBI, to ensure voter protection. The department is poised to deploy resources to counter AI-driven misinformation campaigns and defend election integrity vigorously.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted AI's role in enabling criminals to propagate misinformation anonymously, emphasizing that AI-driven threats would be treated with severity. The DOJ intends to pursue enhanced penalties for individuals leveraging AI to manipulate the electoral process.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the bureau's commitment to sharing threat intelligence promptly and collaborating closely with the DOJ and other agencies to mitigate election interference. The FBI has appointed election crimes coordinators across its field offices to address emerging threats effectively.
The discussion addressed challenges posed by AI-driven election interference, citing instances of AI-generated misinformation during the primaries, including fake phone calls and deepfake videos of political figures circulating on platforms like YouTube.
The DOJ's proactive stance underscores the critical importance of combating AI-driven election interference and safeguarding democratic processes. By fostering collaboration and vigilance across agencies, the DOJ aims to mitigate the risks posed by emerging technologies and uphold the integrity of the electoral system.
