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Deepfakes and vastly improved disinformation are being used by Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, among other countries, to interfere in the results of US elections.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, briefed reporters on how artificial intelligence is being used by foreign actors to manipulate messaging to US voters. He believes the US is more vulnerable to global election interference than it was in 2020.
Reporters, please come armed with questions for this special news briefing.
In a recent address to a gathering hosted by Ethnic Media Services, Senator Mark Warner, D-Virginia, Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, sounded the alarm on the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation as the nation approaches a critical election. The Senator, a seasoned figure in national security and information warfare, emphasized the urgent need to address this growing threat to the democratic process.
“As we stand just 14 days away from the election, we are witnessing a troubling surge in misinformation and disinformation campaigns that threaten to undermine the integrity of our electoral system.”
Expressing concern over the escalating levels of false information in the public domain, Senator Warner highlighted the potential risks not only leading up to Election Day but also in the aftermath, particularly in the event of a closely contested outcome. “Our vulnerabilities are most acute in the hours and days following the election, especially if the results are as tight as many anticipate,” he cautioned.
Delving into the state of election security, Senator Warner offered a nuanced assessment of the situation. “On the bright side, I am pleased to report that the security of our voting system, encompassing our voting machines and the dedication of our election officials, is robust,” he shared. “Despite previous concerns of potential disruptions leading some officials to consider stepping down, we find ourselves in a relatively stable position.”
While highlighting the preparedness of election officials and the reliability of election machinery, Senator Warner tempered his optimism with a note of caution. “While we have made strides in fortifying our election infrastructure, there remains a concern regarding the susceptibility of certain jurisdictions to external influences,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
Back in Sept, Senator Warner called on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to intensify efforts to combat election misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the context of advancing artificial intelligence technologies. In a letter dated September 26 to CISA Director Jen Easterly, Warner emphasized the urgent need for support for state and local election offices in light of a significant uptick in targeted disinformation campaigns. He cited alarming incidents, such as the deepfake robocalls that impersonated President Joe Biden before the New Hampshire primary, where voters were misled by an AI-generated voice urging them not to participate in the election.
The senator expressed concerns that such deceptive tactics not only diminish voter turnout but also threaten public trust in democratic institutions. He urged CISA to adapt to this evolving risk landscape to ensure election officials and the public are equipped with the necessary protections against AI-enhanced threats. In a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, CISA’s initiatives were outlined, noting its focus on educating the public and partnering with local election officials to identify disinformation. Despite the complex threat environment, Easterly reassured that election infrastructure has never been more secure and that election officials are better prepared than ever to tackle these challenges.
Senator Warner once again called upon the public to remain vigilant, discerning and united in the face of misinformation campaigns. “As we navigate the final stretch towards the election, it is imperative that we stay informed, exercise critical judgment in consuming information, and stand together to safeguard the sanctity of our democratic process,” he urged. “By remaining vigilant and united, we can fortify our defenses against those seeking to undermine the democratic principles upon which our nation stands.”
