Deepfakes Surge 1,530% in Asia: Is the Region Prepared for Election Misinformation?

✅Deepfakes are rising rapidly, with a 1,530% surge in APAC from 2022 to 2023.
At least 60 countries and over 4 billion people will vote in 2024, making it the biggest global election year in history.
✅Asia is not ready to tackle deepfakes in elections in terms of regulation, technology, and education.
✅Tech companies, governments, and the public all have a role to play in combating deepfakes.

The Rise of Deepfakes: A Global Concern

As the world gears up for the biggest global election year in history, with at least 60 countries and more than four billion people set to vote for their leaders and representatives, the threat of deepfakes looms large. According to data verification firm Sumsub, the number of deepfakes across the world rose by an alarming 1,000% from 2022 to 2023, with the APAC region experiencing a staggering 1,530% surge during the same period.

Deepfakes, which are AI-generated videos that can convincingly mimic real people, have the potential to sow confusion and disrupt elections. In Indonesia, a deepfake video of late president Suharto advocating for his former political party went viral ahead of the February 14 elections, racking up 4.7 million views on X. Similar incidents have occurred in Pakistan and the United States, highlighting the growing prevalence of deepfakes in political campaigns.

The Challenges of Combating Deepfakes

Experts warn that Asia is not prepared to tackle the threat of deepfakes in elections, citing inadequate regulation, technology, and education. Simon Chesterman, senior director of AI governance at AI Singapore, emphasizes that while several governments have tools to prevent online falsehoods, the concern is that the damage may be done before there’s time to contain it.

Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike predicts that nation-state actors from China, Russia, and Iran are highly likely to conduct misinformation or disinformation campaigns to disrupt elections. However, most deepfakes are expected to be generated by domestic actors, such as opposition parties, political opponents, and extreme right or left-wingers.

The Consequences of Deepfakes in Elections

Deepfakes can have far-reaching consequences in elections, from polluting the information ecosystem and making it harder for voters to form informed opinions, to invoking confirmation bias and causing people to lose faith in the validity of an election. Candidates may also use deepfakes to deny unflattering truths about themselves, further muddying the waters.

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Combating Deepfakes
To effectively combat deepfakes, a multi-pronged approach involving tech companies, governments, and the public is necessary. In February, 20 leading tech companies announced a joint commitment to combat the deceptive use of AI in elections. While this tech accord is an important first step, its effectiveness will depend on implementation and enforcement.

Governments also have a role to play in establishing regulations and setting expectations for tech companies. The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) has introduced digital credentials for content, which will show viewers verified information about the creator, creation date, and whether generative AI was used.

Empowering the Public to Combat Deepfakes
Ultimately, a large part of the solution comes down to educating and empowering the public. Consumers need to be more vigilant, fact-checking suspicious content and critical pieces of information before sharing them with others. Outreach and engagement efforts are crucial in heightening the sense of vigilance and consciousness when the public encounters information online.

As Carol Soon, principal research fellow and head of the society and culture department at the Institute of Policy Studies in Singapore, aptly puts it, “There’s something for everyone to do. It’s all hands on deck.”

The rise of deepfakes in the context of the 2024 global elections underscores the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to combating misinformation and disinformation. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it is becoming increasingly difficult for governments and tech companies to keep up with the evolving threat landscape.

One of the key challenges in addressing deepfakes is the delicate balance between protecting free speech and curbing the spread of malicious content. While regulations and technological solutions are essential, they must be carefully crafted to avoid stifling legitimate expression and public discourse.

Moreover, the global nature of the internet and the transnational reach of social media platforms complicate the implementation of effective countermeasures. International cooperation and the harmonization of legal frameworks will be crucial in ensuring a consistent and comprehensive approach to combating deepfakes across borders.

Ultimately, the fight against deepfakes and other forms of online manipulation will require a sustained effort from all stakeholders, including governments, tech companies, civil society organizations, and individual citizens. By fostering digital literacy, promoting responsible innovation, and encouraging critical thinking, we can build a more resilient and informed society that is better equipped to navigate the challenges of the digital age.