AI 'anabolized' disinformation, Brazil justice warns, promising disqualification for misuse

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes declared that the advancement of artificial intelligence has significantly amplified disinformation, likening its effect to an "anabolic steroid." Speaking at an event at the University of São Paulo's Law School, Moraes issued a stern warning: candidates who employ AI for manipulative purposes in the crucial final stages of elections will face disqualification.

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This is extremely dangerous for the manipulation of the electorate.

Moraes elaborated on the potential dangers, explaining how AI could be used to alter recordings of his own speeches, manipulating both the spoken content and lip movements. "This is extremely dangerous for the manipulation of the electorate," he stated, emphasizing the threat to democratic processes.

He pointed to the recent Argentine election as a stark example of AI's disruptive potential. Moraes recounted how a fabricated video, created with AI, circulated just before the election, showing a candidate announcing their withdrawal to support an opponent. "The day before the election, it is impossible to catch up," he noted, raising critical questions about regulation and oversight.

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The day before the election, it is impossible to catch up.

"All candidates must be absolutely aware that if, on the eve of the election, they want to use disinformation mechanisms supercharged by artificial intelligence, this will lead to disqualification," Moraes promised. He stressed that merely debunking false information after the vote is ineffective. The justice underscored that democracy relies on the freedom and secrecy of the vote, principles he believes are increasingly targeted by disinformation spread on social media.

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All candidates must be absolutely aware that if, on the eve of the election, they want to use disinformation mechanisms supercharged by artificial intelligence, this will lead to disqualification.