Rising Threat: AI-Generated Deepfakes Challenge Democracy in South Korean Elections

Seoul, South Korea: With less than 50 days until South Korea’s parliamentary elections in April, concerns are rising about the surge in AI-generated deepfake content.

The National Election Commission (NEC) reports detecting 129 instances of AI-generated media violating the recently revised election law, which forbids deepfake use in electoral campaigning. The legislation, enacted in response to evolving disinformation facilitated by AI, imposes penalties of up to seven years in prison or $7,500 fines.

Deepfakes, a significant threat to democracy, have been exploited in past elections globally, spreading fake news and influencing public opinion. The NEC’s proactive crackdown aims to safeguard electoral integrity, but experts warn of the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of deepfake technology, which outpaces verification processes.

Professor Kim Myuhng-joo emphasizes the unmatched speed of deepfake creation compared to verification efforts, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to detection and mitigation.