Deepfakes, bots and distrust: How AI is shaping Israel's election
For the first time, AI is playing a major role in Israel's elections. Observers warn that deepfakes, bots and influence campaigns could sway voters.
Deepfakes, bots, and distrust are shaping Israel's election as artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly prominent role in campaigning. Opinion polls show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, in a tight race. AI-generated videos, such as one featuring Eisenkot embracing an Arab politician who resembles his slain son, have been viewed over 1 million times and sparked outrage.
Over 1,800 posts with AI-generated content have been released by Netanyahu's Likud party since the election campaign began, making up roughly a quarter of their social media materials. Parties employ AI for creating contentious videos, robocalling voters, and unleashing bots online. A hybrid approach commonly involves using AI for parts or segments of ads, including images, music, subtitles, logos, or complete deepfakes.
Israel's Central Elections Committee has mandated labeling AI-generated or manipulated content, but few other limits exist. Some prominent politicians, like Yair Golan of the Democrats, have capitalized on popular internet trends using AI-generated content. The election authority has intervened to remove misleading AI videos, and robocalls have become more conversational with AI-powered voices.
Some Israelis are considering using AI tools for voting advice, raising concerns about generative engine optimization (GEO) and the potential for AI to shape online content to influence election outcomes. The Israeli government has already engaged with this industry through filings under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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