Call for people to spot deepfakes ahead of election

A university report has called for people to be taught how to spot AI-generated deepfakes ahead of the general election.

The report from the University of Surrey's Institute for People-Centred AI also recommends greater funding for research into detecting deepfakes.

Deepfakes use a form of AI called deep learning to make images of fake events.

Dr Bahareh Heravi, reader in AI and the media at the institute, said: “AI makes it easier than ever before to sow false information among voters.

“That’s why we must give voters the tools to tell fact from fiction. Greater media literacy can only strengthen our democracy.”

Other recommendations from the report include a wider use of content verification, including clear labelling of AI-generated content, and a "fact-checkers code" to encourage companies to investigate and report misinformation.

Laws to make social media companies responsible for content on their platforms have also been suggested.

Director of innovation and partnerships at the institute Dr Andrew Rogoyski said: “With so much opportunity arising from AI, it’s unhelpful to let the negative applications like fakery and disinformation grow in use."

The next general election must be held by 28 January 2025.

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