INEC worried over misuse of AI in 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating and disseminating manipulated content during the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the opening of a capacity-building workshop for Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) in Abuja, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, highlighted the growing accessibility of generative AI, which has made it easier and more challenging to detect fabricated audio, videos, and images.

Haruna pointed out that AI could be used to produce highly targeted messages aimed at presenting conflicting narratives to different voter groups. He stressed that the development necessitated treating electoral technology and electoral communication as interconnected aspects of election management. The workshop, themed "Strengthening PAOs Capacity for Credible, Verified and Responsible Election Communication Towards 2027," aimed to equip PAOs with the skills needed to address the emerging information challenges.

INEC's Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, emphasized the crucial role PAOs play in shaping public perception of the commission. She stated that through their work, Nigerians form much of their impression of the commission, its goals, and the reliability of its information.