“AI + 2024 Elections: Navigating A Messy Information Space,” was a conversation co-hosted by the McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) and the Alliance for Securing Democracy. The event took place on Thursday, October 17, at ASU’s Phoenix Campus.
Generative AI programs can be used to churn out content parroting false narratives within seconds and produce sophisticated fake images, videos, and audio that are increasingly indistinguishable from authentic material. The widespread accessibility of these tools offers malign actors at home and abroad a new, low-cost weapon to attempt to interfere in elections.
The panelists assessed AI threats to this year’s elections and share solutions, including what their offices are doing to safeguard the election from such threats.
Speakers included:
- Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State
- Bill Gates, Maricopa County Supervisor
- Stephanie Sy, Anchor, PBS Newshour West
- Nadya Bliss, Executive Director, ASU Global Security Initiative
- Sarah Gonski, Faculty Associate, ASU Elections Law
- Rachael Dean Wilson, Managing Director, Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund
- Bret Schafer, Senior Fellow, Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund
- Paul Fagan, Director of Democracy Programs, McCain Institute
