Internet giants to crack down on political fraud

Meta, Microsoft, Google and OpenAI are working on a deal to jointly block content generated by artificial intelligence in a bid to target voter fraud

Tech giants such as Meta, Microsoft, Google and OpenAI announced on Tuesday that they are working on an agreement to jointly block content generated by artificial intelligence aimed at deceiving voters ahead of key elections around the world this year.

The agreement on deepfakes and other dangerous content, which is still being negotiated between the companies, is scheduled to be announced on Friday during the Munich Security Conference.

“In a critical year for global elections, technology companies are working on an accord to combat the deceptive use of AI targeted at voters,” a spokesperson for Meta said in an emailed statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday.

According to the Washington Post, which first reported the existence of the project, the companies will agree to develop ways to identify, label and control AI-generated images, videos and audio that aim to deceive voters.

The idea comes as big tech companies are under considerable pressure over fears that AI-powered applications could be misused in a pivotal election year.

Recent examples of convincing AI deepfakes have only heightened worries about the easily accessible technology.

Last month, a robocall impersonation of U.S. President Joe Biden pushed out to tens of thousands of voters urged people to not cast ballots in the New Hampshire primary.

Source: Newsroom & Agence France-Presse