The use of technology in modern-day politics has brought about significant changes in the way campaigns are run and elections are won. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent, and as a result, the nature of election interference has evolved. The upcoming presidential election in Turkey has been a prime example of this, with allegations of deepfakes, porn tapes, and bots being used to sway public opinion.
The main political opponent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has accused Russia of using deepfakes and other AI-generated material to interfere in the country’s election. Kilicdaroglu alleges that the material is being used to support Erdogan’s re-election, as it serves Russia’s interest to keep Erdogan in power and to drive a wedge between Turkey and NATO.
Deepfakes, which are AI-generated videos that manipulate the original content to create a different narrative, have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are created using machine learning algorithms that can learn the facial expressions, voice, and mannerisms of an individual and replicate them to create a video that appears to be genuine. These videos can be used to create false narratives, spread misinformation, and manipulate public opinion.
Porn tapes, which are also believed to have been used in the Turkish election, are created by manipulating and altering videos to depict an individual in a compromising position. These tapes can be used to blackmail or discredit individuals, particularly those in positions of power, such as political candidates.
Bots, or automated social media accounts, are another tool that can be used to manipulate public opinion. Bots can be used to amplify certain messages or hashtags, create fake news, and spread misinformation. They can also be used to manipulate trending topics on social media platforms, making it appear as though certain issues or candidates are more popular than they actually are.
The use of these technologies in the Turkish election is not surprising, given the country’s history of election interference. However, the use of AI has taken the interference to a whole new level, making it more difficult to detect and combat. As Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow on Turkey at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, notes, “it’s hard to differentiate between real and fake information.”
The use of deepfakes, porn tapes, and bots in the Turkish election is a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of AI. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely that it will become even more sophisticated in its ability to manipulate public opinion. It is crucial that governments and tech companies work together to develop strategies to combat election interference and protect the integrity of democratic processes.
In conclusion, the use of AI in politics has brought about significant changes in the way elections are won and has given rise to new forms of election interference. The upcoming Turkish presidential election has highlighted the use of deepfakes, porn tapes, and bots as tools for manipulating public opinion. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential that governments and tech companies work together to develop strategies to combat election interference and ensure the integrity of democratic processes.
