The UK Electoral Commission, in partnership with Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office, will launch a new information hub to help voters combat online disinformation. Concerns about foreign interference and deep fake technology targeting political figures have prompted this initiative in preparation for the upcoming elections.
The UK Electoral Commission will issue guidance to voters on its website to counter online disinformation, amid concerns of foreign interference in upcoming elections. Collaborating with Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office, the Commission will create a new information hub to encourage voters to critically assess online content. This initiative follows a warning from The Alan Turing Institute about AI’s role in creating a “polarised information space,” although no direct impact on election results has been evidenced.
Instances of deep fake audios targeting Labour leaders Sir Keir Starmer and Sadiq Khan have raised alarms, similar to occurrences in Slovakia and the United States. The National Security Strategy (Joint Committee) recently wrote to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about potential threats from foreign actors such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, urging the country to prepare for possible interference in the snap general election.
While the Electoral Commission’s update won’t provide specific guidance on identifying deep fakes, it will include tips for verifying the credibility of online content, checking sources, and distinguishing fact from opinion. A spokesperson stated the Commission aims to equip voters with factual information to enhance their confidence in participating in elections.
The update is expected in the coming weeks.
