AI and deepfakes emerge as new threats to electoral integrity

Artificial intelligence and social media algorithms are emerging as significant challenges to electoral integrity in multiple regions. In New Zealand, digital marketing experts note that while political parties target specific demographics, platform algorithms further dictate which users see specific content based on engagement likelihood. This creates divergent campaign experiences for different voters and complicates existing advertising regulations.

In Nigeria, concerns are mounting regarding the 2027 general elections. Experts warn that deepfakes, including synthetic audio, cloned voices, and fabricated videos, could be used to impersonate candidates or officials, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These technologies pose a threat by potentially spreading disinformation faster than official bodies can respond, which may undermine public trust and trigger civil unrest through fabricated election results or notices.