Artificial Intelligence and Elections: Impact and Risks

Research by the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) reveals that artificial intelligence was used in 80% of election contests in 2024 worldwide, with harmful consequences in most cases.

The study found that the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in elections was generally not beneficial to the democratic process. According to the IPIE, 69% of incidents related to AI in elections had a negative impact.

Dr. Inga Trautvetter, head of the research, emphasized that GenAI creates "unique challenges" for democratic systems, as it exacerbates existing problems and makes it difficult for voters to distinguish accurate information.

Examples of the use of artificial intelligence include the creation of deepfakes, the revival of dead politicians for electoral purposes, and disinformation campaigns by foreign actors. A characteristic example is Romania, where the presidential elections were canceled due to the use of artificial intelligence in an election interference campaign.

Professor Sebastian Valenzuela, Chief Scientific Officer of IPIE, stressed that GenAI is now a "present threat" to elections, as its misuse outpaces the ability to monitor and mitigate electoral manipulation.

The IPIE is an independent scientific organization based in Switzerland, providing scientific knowledge on the health of the global information environment.