Deepfake Technology Is a Concern for 2024 Elections: New Global Survey Shows Rising Fears Among Voters

• 33% of U.S. respondents say the media is most at risk from deepfakes, fearing fake news reports and interviews that could mislead the public.

• 28% of Americans and 34% of Germans worry that deepfakes could directly manipulate political elections, spreading fabricated content designed to influence voter behavior.

• In Mexico, a stunning 48% of people believe their media is vulnerable to deepfake corruption, the highest among surveyed nations.

• The threat isn't limited to elections—35% of U.S. respondents fear that AI-generated content could disrupt courtrooms with fake evidence, a concern shared by 27% of Germans.

• Interestingly, for Singapore, which recently passed a law banning digitally manipulated content of candidates during elections, the largest concern about deepfakes lies in Healthcare. 35% of respondents worry that deepfakes could impersonate medical professionals or spread false medical advice, potentially leading to harmful health outcomes.

• In the United Arab Emirates, the biggest concern (34% of respondents) is the use of deepfakes to create fake social media posts, messages, or videos, which could damage personal reputations and relationships.

   

We’ve reached a tipping point where voters and institutions alike can no longer trust what they see or hear. Deepfakes are becoming so sophisticated that we must equip ourselves with the tools and skills needed to detect and combat this new wave of disinformation. It’s crucial to remember that when overwhelmed by information, we often switch to autopilot, making us more vulnerable to manipulation. That’s why building digital literacy is essential—always question what you see, double-check before sharing, and protect your personal data. Strengthen your online security and stay informed on the latest AI developments—this is how we safeguard ourselves.

— Henry Patishman, Executive VP of Identity Verification Solutions at Regula