By: Richard L. Smith
With the 2024 presidential election approaching, New Jersey leaders are taking steps to protect voters from the threat of misinformation fueled by generative AI technologies.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, in her capacity as Secretary of State, and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin have issued guidance to help New Jersey residents recognize and avoid deepfake photos, videos, and audio, which are often used to mislead voters.
Deepfakes, which are manipulated or fake media that seem real, are created using advanced AI technologies.
They can appear in social media posts, emails, phone calls, and even voicemails as part of a broader effort to spread misinformation.
These deepfakes are particularly dangerous when they are used to mislead the public about election-related topics, such as the candidates, political parties, and even voting logistics.
Lt. Governor Way and Attorney General Platkin are raising awareness of how these AI-generated deepfakes can disrupt the upcoming election by spreading false information about where to vote or who is eligible to vote.
Their initiative also offers guidance on how to spot deepfakes and prevent their spread.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and preserving the integrity of that process is paramount,” said Attorney General Platkin.
“By raising the public’s awareness of political deepfakes, we are minimizing this potential threat to our electoral process and providing New Jersey voters with critical tools to help them cast their ballot with confidence.”
Lt. Governor Way echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the electoral process from the growing threat of misinformation.
“Generative AI has made it easier to produce political deepfakes—whether through manipulated images, videos, or voices—that mislead and deceive voters,” Way stated.
“This initiative is a vital step in helping voters recognize these tactics and ensuring the integrity of our free and fair elections."
The efforts of AG Platkin and Lt. Governor Way are part of a broader initiative to preserve the integrity of New Jersey’s elections. Other key initiatives include Vote.NJ.gov, a comprehensive voter information resource, and a Voter Protection initiative focused on addressing voting rights violations.
Additionally, a new Trusted Sources campaign has been launched to help the public rely on verified election information sources, including the Division of Elections and County Election Officials.
For more information on the latest election guidance, voters are encouraged to visit Vote.NJ.gov, where additional resources, including infographics and a Voting Rights Resources webpage, are available to help voters navigate the upcoming election safely and securely.