How to spot election disinformation and AI fakes ahead of 2026 polls

As South Africans prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming Local Government Elections on November 4, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is warning citizens about the dangers of election disinformation and AI-generated fakes. The IEC has unveiled an Electoral Code of Conduct aimed at curbing false or misleading information shared online or offline by political parties and candidates.

Under the code, which remains in effect until election results are declared, political actors are required to commit to the code during a signing ceremony on September 23. Disinformation, as defined by the IEC, refers to false or misleading information knowingly shared by someone to mislead voters or disrupt the electoral process. This can include content targeting contestants, the Electoral Commission, or its staff.

The IEC distinguishes disinformation from misinformation, which is the sharing of false information without intent to deceive, often due to lack of verification. Satire, opinion pieces, fair criticism, and genuine political debates are not considered disinformation.

Voters are advised to remain vigilant for false claims about voting dates, times, venues, or eligibility. They should also be wary of fake statements or announcements attributed to the IEC or its staff, as well as scams masquerading as the IEC, such as fake job advertisements.

The commission has also cautioned about the use of manipulated or AI-generated images, audio, and video to deceive the public. Fake accounts and bot networks designed to amplify a particular viewpoint are another concern. Sharing someone's private information without consent, known as doxxing, is also flagged as problematic. Political advertisements and AI-generated content lacking proper labeling are also subject to the code.

To verify information, the IEC recommends checking the source of the content and comparing it with official IEC channels or other reliable sources. Posts intended to provoke strong emotions should be approached with caution and investigated further before being shared. The IEC also suggests conducting a reverse-image search to trace the origin of suspicious photographs and examining the posting account for signs of legitimacy.

Images and videos should be scrutinized for signs of manipulation, such as unnatural movement, inconsistent lighting, unusual hands, or blurred edges. Under the code, AI-generated "synthetic" content must be clearly labeled before distribution. Political advertisements must also be identified. Suspected disinformation can be reported to Real411, a platform managed by Moxii Africa, which independently investigates complaints and may recommend action to the IEC or digital platforms.

Complaints require the reporter's name and contact details, though the reporter's identity remains confidential.

Political parties and candidates have 36 hours to report online disinformation to Real411 and publicly correct any false or misleading information. The IEC can review Real411 reports and issue official corrections or refer matters to the Electoral Court if the code is breached. The court can impose penalties such as warnings, fines, forfeiture of electoral deposits, or restrictions on political activities and advertising.

Voters can also aid in combating disinformation by refraining from sharing dubious content and promptly disseminating verified corrections to those who may have encountered the original claim.