Policing only deepfakes, Israel leaves chatbot-trusting voters exposed to real AI threat

Israel's October 27 election faces AI-driven manipulation risks beyond deepfakes, as chatbots give political actors tools to shape voter beliefs and turnout with little regulation, experts warn. Opposition leader Yair Lapid warned voters could receive fake AI-generated videos of him. Nearly nine in 10 Israelis use ChatGPT, creating vulnerability alongside low digital literacy and minimal platform oversight. The Central Elections Committee requires labeling of AI-generated campaign material but does not address chatbot influence or personalized targeting.

Israel is heading into its October 27 election facing AI-driven manipulation risks that extend well beyond deepfakes, with chatbots giving political actors largely invisible tools to shape voter beliefs, turnout, and acceptance of results, experts warn. Opposition leader Yair Lapid warned a Tel Aviv conference that voters could receive AI-generated videos appearing to show him making false statements, and that by the time the lie is explained, the election will be over. Nearly nine in 10 Israelis now use ChatGPT, according to an Israel Internet Association survey, creating a potent vulnerability alongside low digital literacy, minimal regulation of tech platforms, and alleged coalition efforts to undermine trust in election administration. The Central Elections Committee introduced rules requiring labeling of AI-generated campaign material, but experts say these address only a narrow slice of the risk, leaving chatbot influence and personalized targeting unaddressed. The article cites Romania's annulled 2024 presidential election and OpenAI banning a Philippine marketing firm as precedents for AI-driven election interference.