AI deepfakes are already in full force this election season

Synthetic campaign ads have become a routine feature of American politics. Their real influence remains an open question. For years, we’ve been warned about the deleterious effects of deepfakes on our elections: AI-generated videos that can dupe voters into believing candidates have said or done things they haven’t. Now, well into the generative AI revolution and with the midterms months away, they’ve become a meme-y, juvenile feature of everyday politics—including in last night’s primary elections.