IEC flags AI-driven disinformation ahead of municipal elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has raised concerns about the spread of disinformation on electoral issues fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). 

The commission says it has noted a number of false news posts circulating online, some of which appear to have been AI generated. 

At a media briefing focusing on preparations for the upcoming local government electionson Tuesday, the IEC warned voters about electoral disinformation.

IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, has urged voters to be cautious about the information they consume. 

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"We do anticipate that the growth of generative AI will create a fertile ground for increased disinformation attempts."

He said the IEC is working to ensure election-related disinformation is addressed.

"We are building our own internal capacity for social media responses. One of the key strategies is to give people who communicate via social media credible information upfront and limit the scope for disinformation."