With South Korea’s parliamentary elections in April fast approaching, the National Election Commission (NEC) is expressing concerns over the increasing proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfake videos and images. According to the NEC, 129 pieces of AI-generated media content have been detected from January 29 to the end of last week, in violation of the newly revised election law. The law prohibits the use of deepfakes for electoral campaigning purposes and carries penalties of up to seven years in prison or fines of 10 million won ($7,500) for offenders. This crackdown on deepfakes represents a proactive response to the evolving landscape of disinformation, as facilitated by advancements in AI technology. The revised legislation, passed by the National Assembly in December, aims to curb the spread of false information and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process against emerging threats.
The use of deepfake manipulations has raised concerns about the potential impact on democracy and the electoral process. Past elections, both domestically and internationally, have seen AI-generated videos and images used to spread fake news and mislead public opinion. For example, during the 2022 provincial elections, an AI-generated video circulated on social media depicting President Yoon Suk Yeol endorsing a local candidate from the ruling party. In January, New Hampshire voters received an AI-generated robocall impersonating U.S. President Joe Biden, advising them not to vote in the state’s presidential primary election.
The speed and sophistication of deepfake technology have outpaced traditional verification processes employed by election authorities. As a result, experts warn of the growing challenges in combating deepfake proliferation. Kim Myuhng-joo, a professor at Seoul Women’s University, highlighted the unmatched speed of deepfake creation compared to verification efforts, making it difficult for authorities to keep up.
The continuous evolution of deepfake technology poses additional hurdles for detection and mitigation, calling for a multifaceted approach that prioritizes rigorous verification protocols. As the threat of deepfakes continues to grow, the NEC and other election authorities face the ongoing challenge of adapting their strategies to combat the spread of false information and protect the integrity of democratic processes.
The issue of deepfake proliferation is likely to remain a prominent concern leading up to the parliamentary elections in April, as authorities strive to maintain the transparency and credibility of the electoral process in the face of evolving technological threats.
