AI and Deepfake Concerns Loom Over Electoral Integrity

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlights the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes to electoral integrity. Machine-readable electoral rolls also raise privacy concerns. Despite attempts to address these issues, the Election Commission is confined by legal frameworks, as reinforced by a 2019 Supreme Court judgement.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has raised alarms over the threats posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes to the integrity of elections. Speaking at a press conference, Kumar described AI-generated content as a significant challenge the poll body must confront.

He emphasized that the Election Commission is committed to combatting these challenges but can only act within the constraints of existing laws. Furthermore, Kumar warned against the potential privacy risks associated with machine-readable electoral rolls, a concern previously addressed by a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.

Commenting on privacy breaches, Kumar cited an incident where voters' photos were used without consent to allege electoral fraud. He questioned the wisdom of exposing voters to such transparency when millions are involved in the election process, casting doubt on the feasibility of voter impersonation.

(With inputs from agencies.)