Dezinformacije o umetni inteligenci lahko spodkopavajo volitve 2027, opozarja INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning that artificial intelligence-driven disinformation could significantly undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released following a keynote address, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan emphasized the urgent need for integrating electoral technology and communication into a unified discipline. This call comes amid growing concerns over the potential misuse of AI tools to manipulate public perception and distort election outcomes. Amupitan, speaking at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria in Abuja, highlighted the increasing reliance on digital platforms for disseminating election-related information. He noted that the credibility of the electoral process depends not only on the integrity of physical ballots and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) but also on how voters perceive and trust the information surrounding the electoral process. The INEC Result Viewing Portal, designed to allow citizens to access real-time polling unit results, was presented as a step toward greater transparency. However, Amupitan acknowledged that the 2023 General Election revealed vulnerabilities, particularly when technological systems failed to meet expectations, leading to public skepticism. To address these challenges, INEC has initiated a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology infrastructure. This includes evaluating system redundancy, conducting penetration tests, and developing robust disaster recovery plans. Additionally, the commission is exploring the feasibility of organizing a mock presidential election prior to the 2027 polls. Such a trial would simulate real-world conditions, enabling INEC to assess the effectiveness of voter accreditation procedures, result transmission mechanisms, and public engagement strategies. Amupitan also expressed deep concern over the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence, which enables the creation of synthetic audio, video, and images that can mislead voters. He pointed out that AI has lowered the cost of producing deceptive content and increased its difficulty of detection. Fabricated political material has already been observed in recent elections across parts of West and East Africa. Beyond outright falsehoods, Amupitan warned of the dangers posed by algorithmic microtargeting, which allows tailored political messaging to reach specific demographic groups, often with conflicting narratives. This approach risks fragmenting public discourse and eroding collective understanding of key issues. The INEC chairman stressed that the threat of AI-generated disinformation extends far beyond mere deception. It undermines the foundational principles of fair and transparent elections by creating environments where misinformation spreads rapidly through social media channels before fact-checkers or regulatory bodies can respond. Amupitan called for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to ensure that voters receive accurate, reliable information throughout the electoral cycle. In terms of financial preparedness, INEC has allocated a substantial portion of its budget to modernize election technologies and operational capabilities. This includes acquiring new accreditation devices to replace those lost or damaged in previous cycles. While the full funding has yet to be disbursed, the commission's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) team has already engaged with manufacturers to begin procurement processes. These efforts aim to enhance both the security and efficiency of the electoral framework. As the 2027 elections draw closer, INEC continues to emphasize the importance of public education and awareness initiatives. By fostering greater understanding of electoral technologies and the risks associated with AI-driven disinformation, the commission hopes to build a more informed and resilient electorate. The upcoming mock election, if implemented, will serve as a critical test of these preparations and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current strategies.