As Chicago Hosts DNC, Microsoft Highlights Rising Risks of Deepfake Threats in Global Elections

Microsoft Warns threats of AI-manipulated media are escalating as Democratic National Convention ready to kick off tomorrow

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CHICAGO, IL - As Chicago prepares to host the Democratic National Convention, attention is not only on the political discourse but also on the emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence. Microsoft, a key player in technology, is drawing attention to the dangers of deepfake technology—sophisticated AI-generated media that can distort reality and potentially disrupt democratic processes.

Deep fake photos have surfaced in increasing numbers over the past year. There have been famous photos and videos of celebrities circulating for some time now, including images of Tom Cruise and Barack Obama. With the DNC starting tomorrow and the animosity that exists between the two main parties as we near the election cycle the possibility of deep fakes used to bolster one campaign or damage another are very real threats.

The potential for harm is great as it is so difficult to detect the changes made to images such that it is possible to extablish suspicions of deep fake photos by stating the accusation. Despite numerous media stations providing videos, reports and photos showing an audience of about 15,000 people at a Harris rally, on August 7th, Donald Trump accused his rival, Kamala Harris, of using deep fake technology to make her turnout look larger than it was. Trump used the allegation to claim that Harris had committed election interference.

“Same thing is happening with her fake ‘crowds’ at her speeches,” Trump said in the Truth Social post. “She should be disqualified because the creation of a fake image is ELECTION INTERFERENCE. Anyone who does that will cheat at ANYTHING!”

On the first day of the Chicago DNC, while political figures gather at the United Center, Microsoft will host a critical discussion at The Drake Hotel. The focus of this event will be the growing concerns surrounding deepfakes, particularly their impact on elections worldwide. Ginny Badanes, general manager of Microsoft’s Democracy Forward Program, emphasizes the global implications of this issue, noting that while the upcoming U.S. election is a major focus, deepfakes have already influenced significant elections in other countries.

One notable incident occurred in Slovakia in October, just two days before a parliamentary election. A deepfake recording falsely depicting a leading candidate boasting about election rigging went viral, leading to his defeat by a narrow margin. This event highlights the potential for AI-generated misinformation to alter the course of political outcomes.

Closer to home, AI manipulation has already surfaced in U.S. elections. During last year’s Chicago mayoral race, an audio deepfake targeting candidate Paul Vallas was circulated on social media. The altered audio, which falsely portrayed Vallas endorsing excessive police violence, underscores the real and present danger that deepfakes pose to political figures and the integrity of elections.

As part of its Chicago initiative, Microsoft will also address how deepfakes disproportionately affect women, both in politics and beyond. The event at The Drake, specifically targeting women, will provide training on identifying and countering AI-generated deception. Attendees will learn how to recognize deepfakes, report them, and verify the authenticity of digital content. The session is sponsored by All In Together, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in political and civic engagement.

Badanes will further contribute to the Chicago conversation on August 21 during a panel discussion at the Erie Cafe. The focus will be on the intersection of AI and politics, particularly the need for regulatory measures to combat the misuse of deepfake technology.

In the current U.S. presidential election, deepfake incidents have already made headlines. President Joe Biden, before withdrawing his reelection bid, was the subject of manipulated videos designed to undermine his campaign. Similarly, a deepfake photo emerged following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The image, which was widely shared online, was altered to falsely depict Secret Service agents smiling as they surrounded Trump, likely intended to discredit the seriousness of the incident.

Microsoft has been proactive in developing tools to counter such misinformation. The company offers a free tool for political campaigns to tag their official images and videos with a content-integrity marker, helping to distinguish authentic media from manipulated content. Badanes urges candidates who suspect they have been targeted by deepfakes to contact Microsoft for assistance.

The broader implications of AI-generated misinformation are concerning. In a recent report, Microsoft warned that foreign actors, including those from Russia and Iran, are increasingly using deepfake technology to interfere in U.S. elections. These efforts include creating forged videos and conducting cyberattacks on political campaigns.

Last month, Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence, highlighted attempts by Iranian government actors to exploit ongoing protests related to the Gaza conflict. These actors, posing as activists online, have sought to incite further unrest and undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

As the Chicago Democratic National Convention approaches, experts predict a surge in foreign disinformation campaigns. Russian and Chinese state actors have been known to exploit social issues in the U.S., including immigration and the war in Ukraine, to sow discord. The potential for these actors to amplify conflicts during the convention, particularly if clashes between protesters and law enforcement occur, is a significant concern.

Welton Chang, co-founder of Pyrra Technologies, which monitors disinformation and online extremism, notes that online chatter surrounding the convention has intensified. While some groups appear to be inciting violence, there has yet to be clear evidence of foreign influence. However, Chang warns that foreign actors may seize on any incidents that arise during the convention, using deepfake technology to escalate tensions and spread misinformation.

The threat posed by deepfakes is not confined to the U.S. As global elections continue to be targeted by AI-driven disinformation, the need for comprehensive strategies to combat these threats is increasingly urgent. Microsoft’s efforts to raise awareness and provide tools to identify and counter deepfakes are crucial steps in safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes worldwide.