Episode Description: The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Elections

Welcome to another episode of Checks and Balance from The Economist. In this episode, our hosts delve into the intriguing topic of how artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially shape the upcoming 2024 election. They explore the growing concerns surrounding the use of generative AI in creating and disseminating disinformation, particularly through the use of deep fakes.

The hosts shed light on the alarming impact of AI-generated content on recent elections in Taiwan and the United States, emphasizing the potential risks it poses to the democratic process. However, they also provide a broader perspective, reminding listeners that disinformation has long been a challenge in elections and that AI is simply a new tool in the ever-evolving arsenal.

Regulation emerges as a key theme in this episode, as the hosts discuss the urgent need for effective measures to address the risks associated with AI. They examine the delicate balance between the benefits and dangers of AI, acknowledging the complexities involved in finding a solution that safeguards against misuse while fostering innovation.

As part of their exploration, the hosts have the privilege of interviewing Senator Josh Hawley, who has proposed legislation aimed at regulating AI and protecting consumers. Senator Hawley provides valuable insights into the potential impact of AI on elections and shares his thoughts on the necessary steps to mitigate its negative consequences.

Furthermore, the hosts delve into the bipartisan discussions taking place in Washington regarding AI regulation. They highlight the importance of collaboration and cooperation across party lines to develop effective policies that address the challenges posed by AI.

Ultimately, the hosts offer a nuanced perspective on the influence of AI on elections. While acknowledging the potential for AI to amplify the volume and quality of fake news, they also recognize the existing polarization and societal distrust that may limit its overall impact. Join us for this thought-provoking episode as we navigate the complex intersection of AI and elections.

Countries with a collective population of four billion will vote for leaders next year. There are fears that recent advances in generative artificial intelligence will make voters more vulnerable to deception than ever. But disinformation has long been a problem, well before the age of deepfakes and large-language models. How worried do we really need to be about AI’s potential to undermine democracy?

Chihhao Yu of the Taiwan Information Environment Research Centre explains the threat posed by Chinese misinformation campaigns. We go back to when sensationalist journalism drove America towards war. And Senator Josh Hawley explains why he wants AI to be regulated.

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon.

Runtime: 44 min

You can now find every episode of Checks and Balance in one place and sign up to our weekly newsletter. For full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/uspod. 

To help us to continue to improve our podcasts, we’re inviting listeners to participate in some research, particularly those who haven’t filled in one of our surveys before. We’re looking for people to keep in touch with us via WhatsApp over eight weeks. You can sign up here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.