Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in the world of politics, with both positive and negative implications. On one hand, AI has allowed for interactive and immersive learning experiences that bring historical figures to life, demystifying the past and inspiring a more informed citizenry. Apps like “Hello History” and “Text with History” enable users to chat with historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius and George Washington, gaining a better understanding of historical events while having fun.
Furthermore, AI has even been used to create digital versions of artists like Vincent van Gogh, allowing viewers to interact with their personas and ask questions. These technological advancements have opened up new possibilities for education and entertainment.
However, there is a dark side to the use of AI in politics. Deepfakes, which use AI to create or manipulate images, videos, and audio content, have raised ethical concerns. Deepfake technology makes it difficult to distinguish between real and fake, truth and falsehood. It has become increasingly easy to convincingly swap faces, synthesize speech, and alter actions in videos.
Deepfakes have been used to clone the voices of public figures like President Biden, with a recent example being a robocall made to New Hampshire voters. This raises concerns about the potential manipulation of public opinion and the potential impact on elections. AI-generated deepfakes have been used in political campaigns in countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, and India. In these cases, AI was used to create videos of deceased political figures endorsing candidates, leading to significant support and electoral success.
The rise of deepfakes in politics has led to speculation about the future possibility of AI-created digital personas running for public office. While there are barriers to this idea, such as the requirement for candidates to be actual people, it is not entirely implausible. If a write-in campaign were to garner more votes than any candidate on the ballot, questions would arise about the legal definition of a candidate and winner in a political contest. The outcome would likely be ruled impermissible, but it could prompt a reevaluation of the role of technology in politics and open up discussions about representation, accountability, and the potential for AI manipulation.
The possibility of using a digital persona in a symbolic campaign could be seen as a form of social or political commentary, highlighting issues like dissatisfaction with current political options and the desire for reform. It could also prompt discussions about the nature of democracy and how humans should interact with AI.
As AI continues to advance and its influence in politics grows, ethical debates will arise regarding the use of AI in political processes. The potential for AI-generated deepfakes and digital candidates raises important questions about integrity, accountability, and the future of democracy. It is crucial that we navigate this new era with caution and thoughtful consideration.