As the first U.S. presidential debate of the 2024 election season approaches, concerns over the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the electoral process are in the spotlight. A recent survey conducted by Yubico and Defending Digital Campaigns revealed that both Democrats and Republicans share worries about the negative effects AI could have on this year’s elections.
The survey, titled ‘Impact of Cybersecurity and AI on the 2024 election season’, involved 2,000 American registered voters and highlighted key concerns regarding cybersecurity and AI in political campaigns. Despite potential differences between political parties, the data showed a consensus that AI poses a threat to the integrity of the election outcomes.
With the rise of AI-generated content that could be used to impersonate candidates or create misleading information, voter confidence in campaign cybersecurity is at a low point. The survey found that 85% of respondents lack confidence in the ability of political campaigns to protect their personal information, potentially influencing their support and donation decisions.
Specifically, 42% of individuals who have previously donated to a campaign indicated that a cyberattack on the campaign would impact their likelihood of donating again, while 30% stated that it could affect their voting choice. Additionally, over 78% of respondents expressed concerns about the potential misuse of AI-generated content in political contexts.
As the election season progresses, the issue of AI’s role in shaping voter perceptions and campaign vulnerabilities remains a critical point of discussion. The survey results underscore the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and vigilance to safeguard the electoral process from AI-related threats.
