Artificial intelligence and the electoral process
Artificial intelligence is a growing part of modern life — everything from typing an email to suggesting who to follow on social media.There’s also a darker side that we’re only just now beginning to reckon with.By now, you’ve probably heard about the principal at a Baltimore County high school accused of making racist comments in a publicly shared audio recording. Police now believe that audio was generated through artificial intelligence by a disgruntled employee at the school.It’s scary to think how easily technology can be manipulated by someone with a grudge to damage a person’s reputation.Just as concerning is how the current laws on the books are lagging behind this technology. It’s something we hope our lawmakers in Annapolis can address swiftly.But there’s a bigger concern on the horizon: How AI can be used to manipulate our electoral process.There have already been accusations of AI voice technology impersonating presidential candidates in robocalls during the primaries. And there are fears that similar AI robocalls could be used to target voters this fall and discourage them from voting.As we head into a pivotal election season, the best defense against misinformation is to rely on trusted sources, like WBAL-TV and WBAL NewsRadio 1090 AM and 101.5 FM.And, if there are questions about the voting process, visit official state and federal websites for the most accurate information.
Artificial intelligence is a growing part of modern life — everything from typing an email to suggesting who to follow on social media.
There’s also a darker side that we’re only just now beginning to reckon with.
By now, you’ve probably heard about the principal at a Baltimore County high school accused of making racist comments in a publicly shared audio recording. Police now believe that audio was generated through artificial intelligence by a disgruntled employee at the school.
It’s scary to think how easily technology can be manipulated by someone with a grudge to damage a person’s reputation.
Just as concerning is how the current laws on the books are lagging behind this technology. It’s something we hope our lawmakers in Annapolis can address swiftly.
But there’s a bigger concern on the horizon: How AI can be used to manipulate our electoral process.
There have already been accusations of AI voice technology impersonating presidential candidates in robocalls during the primaries. And there are fears that similar AI robocalls could be used to target voters this fall and discourage them from voting.
As we head into a pivotal election season, the best defense against misinformation is to rely on trusted sources, like WBAL-TV and WBAL NewsRadio 1090 AM and 101.5 FM.
And, if there are questions about the voting process, visit official state and federal websites for the most accurate information.
