The Deepfake Era Hits US and Indian Elections
Deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create hyper-realistic but entirely fabricated videos, has emerged as a significant concern in contemporary politics. This technology, while innovative, poses substantial challenges to democratic processes, particularly during elections. Both the United States and India, two of the world's largest democracies, are facing the implications of deepfake technology in their electoral processes. This article provides an in-depth analysis of how deepfakes are influencing elections in these countries, examining both the opportunities and threats associated with this emerging technology. Understanding Deepfake Technology Deepfakes utilize sophisticated machine learning algorithms to generate realistic but fake media content. These algorithms can manipulate audio and video to create seemingly authentic representations of individuals saying or doing things they never actually did. The potential for misuse is vast, with deepfakes c…