58% of US Adults Fear AI Will Amplify Election Misinformation in 2024, Poll Finds

Survey reveals majority believe candidates should not use AI for creating false media, editing photos or videos, tailoring ads to voters, or answering questions via chatbots; highlights rising concerns over AI-generated deepfakes in political campaigns.

The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, found that 58% of US adults fear that AI will amplify misinformation in the 2024 presidential election.
While 6% believe that AI may reduce misinformation, one-third of the respondents reckon that AI will not significantly affect the spread of misinformation.
Moreover, 83% of respondents feel it would be harmful if candidates used AI to create false or misleading media for political ads, and 66% oppose the use of AI for editing or altering photos or videos for similar purposes.
Notably, the poll results disclosed bipartisan opposition towards candidates using AI tools, with both Republicans and Democrats showing similar levels of concern.
Despite the concerns around political use, some participants still see potential for AI to contribute positively to society, especially in areas outside of politics.
Calls for the Federal Election Commission to regulate AI-generated deepfakes in political ads ahead of the 2024 election are currently under consideration.