AI, fake videos overtake fake news as threats to democracy

The Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) has released a guide warning that artificial intelligence-generated deepfake videos and low-quality information have surpassed traditional fake news as the most significant digital threat to elections and democracy. This change became evident between 2018, the first year of the guide's publication, and the current election cycle.

While social networks like Facebook were once the primary platforms for spreading disinformation, more restricted networks such as WhatsApp have now taken center stage. The document emphasizes that videos are now the dominant format for disinformation, often paired with a brief text that lends credibility to the false narrative.

The guide notes that disinformation is increasingly disseminated across multiple platforms simultaneously. Experts warn that videos are now so realistic that they can deceive even experienced voters. The World Economic Forum has even labeled disinformation as one of the most significant global risks since 2025. The guide highlights the concerning trend of people consuming content that aligns with their existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as motivated reasoning, which reinforces their ideologies and undermines the democratic process.