Elections 2024: what are the main threats to voters?

2024-09-09 02:20:00

Every election year, with the rise of social media, the task of disseminating information has intensified. Even more so due to the fact that a lot of fake news is presented directly to affect the image of the candidates. With this, see the list with tips and information that the To look Digital separate what are the main threats to voters.

From artificial intelligence to data theft

In a recent article published Forgottenin 2024 approximately 78 countries will be in the process of electing new representatives in government. Therefore, it is necessary to keep a focus on disinformation and the criminal dissemination of false information, fake news. Also according to the study, this year there will be high-profile elections in Bangladesh, Finland and Taiwan. In Brazil, disputes will take place in October for mayors of several municipalities, and in the USA, presidential elections will take place in November.

Image: SomYuZu/Shutterstock

Elections vs. Fake News

Although they have been using the phrase ‘fake news’ since the end of the 19th century, the term became popular during the 2016 American elections, as we know it today, which took place in the city of Veles, Macedonia. A particular young man realized that he could profit from spreading false information on the internet.

Read more:

It is important to know that fake news has a great influence on elections because it spreads very quickly and looks at the reader’s emotions, attracting attention with sensationalist titles.

In Brazil alone, around 85% of voters believe that fake news can influence the elections. This could happen due to the high level of Brazilian participation in various WhatsApp groups, increasing the possibility of spreading questionable content.

With the growth of fake news, it is necessary to pay attention to whether the facts are true or not. (Image: Pexels)

To give you an idea of ​​the use of fake news, it can be used to harm candidates or political parties, spreading misinformation and directly appealing to hate speech. This represents a risk to democracy, by influencing public opinion about something and having a direct impact on the outcome of elections. Therefore, it is necessary to always check the veracity of the news before sharing it.

5 current risk factors that could affect the 2024 elections

Check out a list of 5 current risk factors linked to fake news that could negatively impact the 2024 elections.

1 – Fake experts and fraudulent research

Since September 2023, fact-checkers, or fact-checking professionals in the city of Bangladesh, have informed the whole world about two important facts. The first of these is the growth in the use of fake experts, which has led to an increase in the credibility of unfounded news. Second, and less important, China has briefly participated in this process in Bangladesh.

A fake specialist concept created by Dall-E. Image: Layse Ventura via Dall-E 3

To get an idea of ​​the scale of the risk, more than 700 articles with political content were published in Bangladesh. These articles cited a list of about 35 experts, either completely unknown or never existed in real life.

In addition, the texts presented photographs and conclusions from mock research. They used this data as a direct way to praise the then Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, and to spread the feeling among the people of Bangladesh that the government was very good.

2 – Using artificial intelligence to create false content

According to intelligence testers, the world is not fully aware of the true potential of AIs in creating false content. However, the circulation of a fake image of Pope Francis wearing a white designer coat on digital media shows what can be done. For example, opponents can be taken down simply by creating false images.

Image: Reproduction/Social Media

In April 2023, the US Republican Party turned to using AI to create a TV ad. This ad simulated the panic that would dominate the streets of the United States if Democratic President Joe Biden won a second term. This is an example directly linked to politics.

3 – Data theft and an increase in the number of scams and fake news

Thai fact-checkers warn of the dangers of data theft. According to them, the criminal aims to sell not only the financial aspect, but also information about the interests and concerns of voters in general. Therefore, anyone who gets this data set will be able to create their campaigns in a more precise, informed and precise way.

4 – Religion and gender will be (even more) targets of attacks

Indonesian fact-checkers say the world needs to be more vigilant about issues related to gender and religion. They also highlight videos similar to the one showing the Indonesian presidential candidate It is alleged that Ganjar Pranowo drank something alcohol-based in public and banned in the country with the largest number of Muslims in the world, it could often become a way to defame and weaken the speech of politicians.

As reported by AFP news agency, candidate Ganjar Pranowo was drinking tea, not alcohol. Image: AFP / Reproduction

In the same context of lies with Islamophobic and/or anti-Semitic content, experts indicate a likely wave of direct attacks on the LGBTQ+ movement. This will require a greater effort to protect human rights.

5 – Widespread misinformation

An important security tip involves widespread misinformation. Information checkers must map, analyze and focus primarily on areas where access to information is difficult. This is because places with less access to quality media are more susceptible to false information.

It is worth mentioning that small conflicts can develop into disputes of national importance. According to fact checkers, it is crucial not to neglect lies that can reach rural areas and indigenous communities, and can even be spread in different languages.