| Syllabus: GS II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Elections and RPA, Issue: Election Process |
Evolution and integration of technology in election campaign:
- 2014 elections-“Facebook elections“: Social media platforms were pivotal earning the title of “social media elections”
- 2019 general elections were labeled as the “WhatsApp elections” highlighting the platform’s role in disseminating political messages.
- 2024 global elections are dubbed “AI elections,” featuring extensive use of AI technology in campaign strategies.
Concerns with use of AI:
- AI manipulation, including robocalls impersonating political figures and deepfake videos, leading to disinformation.
- AI’s role spans beyond disinformation, encompassing voter identification, content development, and micro targeting in election campaigns.
The way ahead:
- The US government has prohibited AI-generated robocalls.
- Major technology companies are dedicated to combating deceptive AI-generated content.
- The future implications of AI in elections remain uncertain, with many unknowns and challenges ahead.
