South Africa’s Election: AI-generated Content and Cheap Politics on the Rise

The circulation of manipulated media, such as synthetic content, cheap- or deep fakes, or AI-generated content, poses a significant risk to the integrity of South Africa's 2024 elections. An example of this risk was evident on March 10, 2024, when the Twitter account @DZumaSambudla shared a video showing Donald Trump speaking with a poorly synced voice-over. In the video, Trump's voice urges all South Africans to vote for "Umkhonto we Sizwe" on May 29, 2024, claiming that the current ruling party, the African National Congress led by Cyril Ramaphosa, has failed the country.

It's important to address such instances of manipulated media to safeguard the electoral process from misinformation and disinformation campaigns.The fact that @DZumaSambudla is associated with Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, former President Zuma's daughter and candidate 18 on the MK party's election list, raises concerns about the potential misuse of social media platforms for spreading manipulated content during the election period.

Additionally, the ease with which individuals can generate their own versions of manipulated videos using platforms like "Parrot AI" highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance regarding the authenticity of online content, especially during sensitive political events like elections.The @DZumaSambudla account's history of promoting pro-Putin/Russia and anti-Western narratives raises concerns about the potential impact of its posts on public perception, especially as we approach election day.

While some may view these posts as satire, they can pave the way for the creation of more sophisticated AI-generated content that spreads misinformation and disinformation. This poses a threat to democratic processes by deceiving the voting public. The MK party-Trump deep fake is just one example, and the misuse of AI-generated content, as seen with the false post involving Eminem and the EFF, underscores the need for increased awareness and vigilance against such tactics.

The use of manipulated images, as demonstrated by the "BlackPride" Twitter account, adds another dimension to the spread of misinformation surrounding the MK Party. By utilizing techniques like Error Level Analysis (ELA), it becomes possible to detect inconsistencies within the images, such as discrepancies in compression levels. In this case, the manipulation of the MK logo on the shirt, as evidenced by differences in compression levels compared to other parts of the image, raises concerns about the authenticity of the content being circulated.

This underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the face of digital manipulation tactics aimed at influencing public opinion.The use of edited images and manipulated narratives, such as the one posted by the "BlackPride" Twitter account, undermines the integrity of the electoral process by distorting public perception of political parties. While the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has regulations in place to address the dissemination of false information about other candidates or parties, there may be limitations to their enforcement if the false information pertains to the party itself or its affiliates. This presents a loophole that could potentially be exploited to spread misinformation without facing repercussions under current regulations.

Addressing such loopholes and ensuring the accountability of all political actors in adhering to ethical standards is crucial for upholding the integrity of democratic elections.The utilization of manipulated media content, as demonstrated by the MK party's tactics, reflects a concerning trend observed globally in election interference. By exploiting loopholes in electoral regulations and disseminating misleading narratives through social media platforms, political actors can potentially influence voting outcomes without facing consequences for their actions.

An example from the @DZumaSambudla account in 2021, assessed by Real411 as insinuating violent action, underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and regulation of online content to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes and prevent the proliferation of harmful narratives that could incite violence or undermine public trust in the electoral system.

Raising awareness and understanding of the mechanisms behind the creation and dissemination of manipulated content is essential, particularly in the early stages of the election race. This understanding can inform the implementation of stricter controls on political party campaigning to prevent the circulation of misleading information that could confuse and mislead the electorate.The emergence of AI technology poses a significant challenge for election monitoring organizations and regulatory bodies like the IEC. It is crucial for these entities to closely monitor social media platforms and the extent of their influence to assist in maintaining a fair election process free from the influence of misinformation and disinformation.

The IEC should take proactive and decisive action now to address this trend of deception before it becomes entrenched in the political discourse in the weeks leading up to the election. By implementing measures to combat the spread of manipulated content, the integrity of the electoral process can be upheld, and the public's trust in the democratic system can be preserved.