Election workers in Arizona undergo a two-day training exercise to tackle AI-generated deepfake threats, with scenarios including simulated phishing attacks and fake audio messages. The initiative, led by Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, aims to prepare officials for future election cycles amidst rising concerns about election security.
In December 2022, election workers in Arizona participated in a unique training exercise to prepare for the increasing threats posed by AI-generated deepfakes. The event took place at a hotel in the Phoenix area and involved election workers from 14 of Arizona’s 15 counties. The Arizona Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, spearheaded the exercise, which aimed to familiarize participants with the potential AI threats they might encounter during future election cycles.
The training began with a welcome message from Fontes, only for attendees to later learn that the video was an AI-generated deepfake. The exercise lasted two days and involved various scenarios, including simulated phishing attacks and deepfake audio messages. Dana Lewis, the county recorder in Pinal, found the experience unsettling and a reminder to question everything.
As deepfake technology becomes more accessible, the threat to election security rises. FBI Director Christopher A. Wray highlighted that the 2024 election cycle could see faster and more sophisticated foreign influence campaigns enabled by AI. The exercises were developed in collaboration with the Brennan Center and the Elections Group.
Participants came together in teams to tackle scenarios like AI-generated voice messages from staffers and faked social media posts designed to suppress voter turnout. Measures like multi-factor authentication, secure digital presence, and strong media relationships were reinforced. The training ended with another deepfake video of Fontes, which participants quickly recognized as fake due to an implausible scenario.
Organizers plan to share a training document nationwide to help election officials prepare for AI threats, expanding the initiative to states like Michigan.
