Ex-Tory minister points warning over ‘corrosive’ influence of AI at subsequent election

A former Tory Cabinet minister has urged the Government to do extra to stop the subsequent common election being sabotaged by synthetic intelligence.

Ex-Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland mentioned the risk posed by deepfakes – faux audio and video clips that seem life like – was a “clear and present danger” to democracy. With elections around the globe in 2024, together with the US, UK, and India, Sir Robert known as for higher protections in opposition to AI-generated misinformation.

The Conservative MP informed the BBC that misinformation usually elections has been round for many years, however he added: “Now we’re in a world where even in your own bedroom you can allow generative AI to produce content that can easily be shared in a matter of moments and on a scale I think you’ve never seen before.

“I think that will potentially have a hugely corrosive effect on trust in information.” He mentioned Rishi Sunak’s current AI summit at Bletchley Park was a “very good start” within the Government “trying to knit together our approach on this”.

But he added: “As we hit probably the biggest election year in our history, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Britain, America – all going to polls – now is the time for us to act domestically and also to work with the Five Eyes countries to combat what would be a devastatingly corrosive trend if it is allowed to continue unchecked”.

He additionally informed the BBC: “Unless the policymakers [in the UK] are exhibiting some management on the necessity for a powerful and efficient home set of guardrails – plus worldwide work – then we’re going to be behind the curve.” His comments come after a faked audio of the London Mayor Sadiq Khan dismissing the importance of Armistice Day was circulated on social media last month.

Mr Khan later said the fake audio was “intended to sow seeds of hatred and division” and warned of a “slippery slope” for democracy if deep fake content and AI were not properly regulated. He said in November: “The Government is seized of the danger this poses. Just think about future general election, think about – God forbid – future referenda.

“The Government does take it seriously, from the conversations I’ve had. It’s a serious issue. Just think about the slippery slope, if we don’t take action. In the autumn a fake video audio clip of Keir Starmer verbally abusing aides was also circulated online during the party’s annual conference in October.