As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a new player on the electoral battlefield. AI technology can generate false images, videos, and audio, influencing voter decision-making, a trend that has manifested in multiple instances. For example, former President Trump shared AI-generated images attempting to mislead the public, while residents of New Hampshire encountered deepfake calls aimed at dissuading them from participating in the Democratic primaries. Experts warn that the impact of AI-generated misinformation could substantially alter election outcomes, and current detection technologies remain underdeveloped.

Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has made adjustments to address the issue of misinformation related to the 2024 presidential election, particularly targeting its AI system Grok to guide users to official information sources like vote.gov for the latest election updates. Several Secretaries of State in the U.S. have expressed concerns about Grok's errors in handling election-related matters, pointing out that it may lead to confusion and demanding corrections. Grok mistakenly claimed that the ballot deadlines in certain states had passed after President Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, causing widespread concern.

OpenAI announces its 2024 election plan, prohibiting tools that impersonate candidates or governments, and preventing their use for campaigning and lobbying. It introduces digital certificates to combat forgery of images generated by Dall-E, simplifying the discernment process. OpenAI tools will direct users with voting inquiries to the authoritative site CanIVote.org. The initiative is in the rollout phase and relies on user reports of misconduct. Experts warn that as the election approaches, the risk of misinformation rises, calling for the cultivation of media literacy to question information.

According to the latest poll, 58% of American adults believe that misinformation will increase in the 2024 election and hold AI tools responsible. The vast majority feel negatively about candidates using AI to create false or misleading media, edit photos or videos, tailor political ads to voter preferences, and use chatbots to answer voters' questions. The public is skeptical of the information provided by AI chatbots and prefers to consult news media, friends and family, and social media for information about the presidential election.

The Federal Election Commission has decided to potentially establish rules governing the use of AI-generated content in political advertising. The FEC voted to initiate a process that may lead to new regulations on how campaigns can utilize artificial intelligence, which could take effect by the end of this year. This petition was submitted by the advocacy group 'Common Cause', urging the commission to use its authority to create rules that prohibit candidates and parties from using AI to distort opponents, thereby penalizing fraudulent practices.