The Times Australia
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 3:35:17 PM
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Disinformation and deepfakes played a part in the US election. Australia should expect the same

  • Written by Renee Barnes, Associate professor of Journalism, University of the Sunshine Coast

As America takes stock after Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, it’s worth highlighting the AI-generated fake photos[1], videos[2] and audio[3] shared during the campaign.

A slew[4] of fake videos and images[5] shared by Trump and his supporters purported to show his opponent, Kamala Harris, saying or doing things that did not happen in real life.

Of particular concern are deepfake videos[6], which are edited or generated using artificial intelligence (AI) and depict events that didn’t happen. They may appear to depict real people, but the scenarios are entirely fictitious.

Microsoft warned[7] in late October that:

Russian actors continue to create AI-enhanced deepfake videos about Vice President Harris. In one video, Harris is depicted as allegedly making derogatory comments about former President Donald Trump. In another […] Harris is accused of illegal poaching in Zambia. Finally, another video spreads disinformation about Democratic vice president nominee Tim Walz, gaining more than 5 million views on X in the first 24 hours.

AI has enabled the mass creation of deepfake videos, which poses a threat to democratic processes[8] everywhere.

If left unchallenged, political deep fake videos could have profound impacts on Australian elections.

It’s getting harder to spot a deepfake

Images have stronger persuasive power than text. Unfortunately, Australians are not great at spotting fake videos and images[9].

The prevalence of deepfakes on social media is particularly concerning, given it is getting harder to identify which videos are real and which are not.

Studies suggest people can accurately identify deepfake facial images only 50% of the time[10] (akin to guessing) and deepfake faces in videos just 24.5% of the time[11].

AI-based methods for detection are marginally better than humans. However, these methods become less effective when videos are compressed (which is necessary for social media).

As Australia faces its own election, this technology could profoundly impact perceptions of leaders, policies, and electoral processes.

Without action, Australia could become vulnerable to the same AI-driven political disinformation seen in the US.

Deepfakes and disinformation in Australia

When she was home affairs minister, Clare O'Neil warned[12] technology is undermining the foundations of Australia’s democratic system.

Senator David Pocock demonstrated the risks by creating deepfake videos[13] of both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

The technology’s reach extends beyond federal politics. For example, scammers successfully impersonated[14] Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli in a fake video call.

We’ve already seen deepfakes already in Australian political videos, albeit in a humorous context. Think, for example, of the deepfake purporting to show Queensland premier Steven Miles[15], which was released by his political opponents.

While such videos may seem harmless and are clearly fabricated, experts have raised concerns about the potential misuse of deepfake technology in future[16].

As deepfake technology advances, there is growing concern about its ability to distort the truth and manipulate public opinion. Research shows political deepfakes create uncertainty and reduce trust in the news[17].

The risk is amplified by microtargeting[18] – where political actors tailor disinformation to people’s vulnerabilities and political views. This can end up amplifying extreme viewpoints and distort people’s political attitudes[19].

Not everyone can spot a fake

Deepfake content encourages us to make quick judgments[20], based on superficial cues.

Studies suggest some are less susceptible to deepfakes[21], but older Australians are especially at risk. Research[22] shows a 0.6% decrease in deepfake detection accuracy with each year of age.

Younger Australians who spend more time on social media may be better equipped to spot fake imagery or videos[23].

But social media algorithms, which reinforce users’ existing beliefs, can create “echo chambers[24]”.

Research shows people are more likely to share[25] (and less likely to check) political deepfake misinformation when it shows their political enemies in a poor light.

With AI tools struggling to keep pace with video-based disinformation, public awareness may be the most reliable defence.

Deepfakes are more than just a technical issue — they represent a fundamental threat to the principles of free and fair elections.

References

  1. ^ photos (www.theguardian.com)
  2. ^ videos (www.bloomberg.com)
  3. ^ audio (www.nbcnews.com)
  4. ^ slew (www.washingtonpost.com)
  5. ^ images (x.com)
  6. ^ deepfake videos (www.bloomberg.com)
  7. ^ warned (blogs.microsoft.com)
  8. ^ threat to democratic processes (www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au)
  9. ^ videos and images (apo.org.au)
  10. ^ only 50% of the time (arxiv.org)
  11. ^ just 24.5% of the time (arxiv.org)
  12. ^ warned (www.afr.com)
  13. ^ creating deepfake videos (www.abc.net.au)
  14. ^ scammers successfully impersonated (www.abc.net.au)
  15. ^ Queensland premier Steven Miles (www.theguardian.com)
  16. ^ in future (journals.sagepub.com)
  17. ^ reduce trust in the news (journals.sagepub.com)
  18. ^ microtargeting (www.tandfonline.com)
  19. ^ political attitudes (journals.sagepub.com)
  20. ^ quick judgments (agipubs.faculty.ucdavis.edu)
  21. ^ less susceptible to deepfakes (academic.oup.com)
  22. ^ Research (www.nature.com)
  23. ^ spot fake imagery or videos (www.sciencedirect.com)
  24. ^ echo chambers (www.pnas.org)
  25. ^ more likely to share (www.emerald.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/disinformation-and-deepfakes-played-a-part-in-the-us-election-australia-should-expect-the-same-243373

The Times Features

Seamless Kitchen Sink Installation: Achieving a Perfect Fit

A seamless installation needs to be well-planned. Site, material, and process all go into the final outcome. Installing a new piece or replacing a very old piece, exactness is ...

Studies of Parkinson’s disease have long overlooked Pacific populations – our work shows why that must change

A form of Parkinson’s disease caused by mutations in a gene known as PINK1 has long been labelled rare. But our research[1] shows it’s anything but – at least for some popula...

A Simple Guide to Assembling a Home Electrical Toolkit

Having a well-equipped home electrical toolkit is essential for any homeowner. It allows you to tackle minor repairs and conduct routine maintenance with confidence. Imagine the ...

48 Hours in Hobart: The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary

Nestled between the towering Mount Wellington and the sparkling waters of the Derwent River, Hobart is a charming city that offers an intriguing blend of natural beauty, rich histo...

Lunchtime Facelifts: Quick & Effective Procedures for Busy Professionals

Busy professionals often find themselves juggling demanding careers, family obligations, and social commitments. With such a tight schedule, it can be difficult to make time for ...

Visual Guide to Distinguishing Ants from Termites

Distinguishing ants from termites is crucial for homeowners who wish to protect their properties from structural damage. These tiny creatures, though seemingly unthreatening, can...

Times Magazine

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

What to Look for When Booking an Event Space in Melbourne

Define your event needs early to streamline venue selection and ensure a good fit. Choose a well-located, accessible venue with good transport links and parking. Check for key amenities such as catering, AV equipment, and flexible seating. Pla...

How BIM Software is Transforming Architecture and Engineering

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software has become a cornerstone of modern architecture and engineering practices, revolutionizing how professionals design, collaborate, and execute projects. By enabling more efficient workflows and fostering ...

How 32-Inch Computer Monitors Can Increase Your Workflow

With the near-constant usage of technology around the world today, ergonomics have become crucial in business. Moving to 32 inch computer monitors is perhaps one of the best and most valuable improvements you can possibly implement. This-sized moni...

LayBy Shopping