The Role of Deepfakes in the 2024 UK Election

Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered deepfake technology is not new. Since 2017, deepfakes have generated synthetic media that often goes viral. Memorable examples include an AI-generated video of Mark Zuckerberg discussing Facebook's power, a TikTok account sharing deepfake videos of Keanu Reeves, and a doctored video of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appearing intoxicated.

Deepfake technology has become increasingly sophisticated, blurring the lines between real and fake. With the UK general election in full swing, the impact of deepfakes on voters' perceptions of political candidates is a significant concern.

Deepfakes in Action

Last month, a doctored video of Labour Party politician Wes Streeting emerged on X (formerly Twitter). The video falsely showed him calling fellow Labour MP Diane Abbott a “silly woman.” According to the BBC, the video and many comments came from a network of accounts that create and share misleading clips of politicians. This network has also targeted Labour's Luke Akehurst and Reform UK's Nigel Farage, indicating a broad political reach.

The motivation behind these deepfakes, whether political sabotage or mere entertainment, remains unclear. However, the implications are serious. Recently, satirical deepfake videos of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak went viral after he announced National Service proposals.

AI's influence extends beyond social media. An AI Independent candidate named AI Steve, an avatar of businessman Steven Endacott, has entered the political fray.

The Broader Impact

A YouGov study found that 43% of Britons get their election news from social media, second only to television (58%). In total, 77% get their news online. While some deepfake applications are harmless and entertaining, videos like the Wes Streeting clip could have damaging political consequences. As Britons head to the polls, deepfakes are likely to influence some voting decisions.

The 2024 UK election highlights the need for vigilance and critical thinking in an age where AI can manipulate reality with startling accuracy