US Braces for Widened Foreign Interference in 2024 Elections, Powered by AI
U.S. security officials are warning of a potential surge in foreign meddling in the upcoming presidential elections, with actors employing new tools like artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate voters, the Voice of America reports.
FBI Director Christopher Wray, speaking at a security conference on Thursday, highlighted the evolving threat landscape, stating, “This election cycle, the U.S. will face more adversaries moving at a faster pace and enabled by new technology.”
Wray specifically pointed to advancements in generative AI, which can create realistic and persuasive content, as a growing concern. He explained that AI “lowers the barrier to entry” for foreign actors, allowing both sophisticated and less sophisticated groups to engage in influence campaigns. This, he warned, makes it harder to detect and counter such efforts.
These concerns echo warnings issued earlier this week by both Senator Mark Warner, Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Both officials expressed specific worries about potential Russian interference.
While Russia remains a significant concern, Wray suggested the list of potential meddling actors is likely to expand. He noted that AI can be particularly helpful for “mediocre bad guys” seeking to elevate their influence operations.
However, he emphasized that even the most sophisticated adversaries are exploring ways to leverage AI for more impactful campaigns.
The potential dangers posed by AI-powered influence operations are also acknowledged by private cybersecurity firms. In September 2023, Microsoft warned that China has developed advanced AI capabilities to generate viral content, potentially amplifying the effectiveness of its influence campaigns.
As the 2024 elections approach, U.S. officials are urging vigilance and continued efforts to counter foreign interference attempts, both traditional and those powered by emerging technologies like AI.
Similar concerns are also being felt in India which goes for general elections in the next two to three months. There are fears that foreign players might try and influence the polls and their outcomes, considering India’s rising power in the global arena, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
