Results for: Misinformation

OpenAI is facing another privacy complaint in the European Union, this one targeting ChatGPT’s inability to correct misinformation it generates about individuals. The complaint, filed by privacy rights nonprofit noyb, alleges that ChatGPT violates the bloc’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which governs how personal data of regional users can be processed. The complaint follows similar actions in Italy and Poland, highlighting the growing regulatory scrutiny of generative AI tools in the EU.

As political campaigns intensify ahead of the November presidential election, states are considering measures to add transparency to AI-generated deepfake ads or calls. Deepfakes, which use artificial intelligence to create realistic audio and video of people saying or doing things they never did, have been used to target presidential, congressional, and even local elections. New Hampshire is one of at least 39 states considering legislation that would prohibit deepfakes within 90 days of an election unless they’re accompanied by a disclosure stating that AI was used. Wisconsin has passed a measure that requires political ads and messages produced using synthetic audio and video or made using AI tools to carry a disclaimer, while Florida has passed legislation that would make failure to disclose the use of AI-enabled messages a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison. Congress is also considering legislation to regulate deepfakes, including a measure that would prohibit their circulation and another that would remove protections under Section 230 of a 1996 communications law for AI-generated content.

College campuses across the U.S. are experiencing a rise in anti-Israel sentiment, with misinformation and hate speech spreading rapidly on social media, especially TikTok. According to comedian and TikTok star Zach Sage Fox, the platform has taken an “ominous turn” since October 7th, fueling the transformation of Gen Z into “Gen Terrorism.” Pew Research Center data reveals that TikTok is a significant news source for young Americans, with 44% of those between 18 and 29 relying on the app for news. While TikTok offers valuable content, Fox notes the prevalence of misinformation, including Holocaust denialism, and the platform’s role in supporting Osama bin Laden. Fox’s visit to Auschwitz prompted him to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel propaganda, highlighting the platform’s impact on impressionable young minds.

A manipulated audio clip falsely attributed to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over their longstanding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The fake audio, accompanied by images of Chinese vessels, was released on a popular YouTube channel and attempted to portray Marcos Jr. as directing the Philippine military to confront a particular foreign country. However, the Presidential Communications Office quickly confirmed the audio to be entirely fabricated and a product of deepfake technology. The office emphasized that no such directive has been issued and condemned the spread of misinformation and disinformation online. Experts believe the fake audio is unlikely to have been created by Beijing as it does not align with its interests in the region. The Philippines and the US recently commenced their annual Balikatan joint military exercises, further fueling concerns about escalating tensions. The viral deepfake has raised concerns about cybersecurity preparedness in the Philippines, prompting calls for increased education on online fraud detection. The government plans to combat the proliferation of deepfakes and other potentially malicious AI-generated content through its Media and Information Literacy Campaign.

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more accessible, deepfakes are emerging as a threat to the integrity of elections. Deepfakes, which are manipulated audio or video content, can be used to spread misinformation, damage reputations, and interfere with the democratic process. While some experts believe that deepfakes could have a significant impact on elections, others argue that their potential is overstated. In addition, there is a lack of regulation and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the misuse of deepfakes. As a result, it is important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks of deepfakes and to take steps to protect themselves from being misled.

Content moderation has become increasingly important for businesses in the digital age, with social media platforms leading the charge. However, as the landscape evolves, so too do the challenges of content moderation. While artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role, human moderators remain essential to ensure effective content moderation. Alex Popken, a former trust and safety executive at Twitter, now vice president of trust and safety at WebPurify, discusses the challenges and opportunities of content moderation in the non-social media space, as well as the role of AI in this ever-evolving field.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent election speech in Rajasthan has come under fire for spreading fear and misinformation about India’s Muslim community. Modi claimed that the Congress party plans to seize Hindu land, savings, and even women’s jewelry, and give them to Muslims. He also called Muslims “infiltrators” and accused them of having too many children. These claims are not supported by facts and have been widely condemned as dangerous and divisive.

Throughout history, misinformation about diseases has posed a significant challenge. In the late 19th century, Canada faced a devastating smallpox epidemic, which was fueled in part by the anti-vaccination movement led by physicians like Alexander Milton Ross and Joseph Emery Coderre. They spread false claims about the dangers of vaccination and downplayed the threat of the disease. Despite scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccination, the anti-vaccination movement found traction among the population, particularly in the French Canadian community. Their actions contributed to a large number of deaths that could have been prevented. The parallels between the anti-vaccination movement of the past and present are striking. The spread of misinformation through social media, the distrust of scientific experts, and the promotion of unproven treatments continue to undermine public health efforts and put lives at risk.

A video circulating online claiming that South Indian superstar Allu Arjun is campaigning for the Congress party in the ongoing general elections is false. The video is from an India Day parade held in New York in 2022, where Arjun participated as the Grand Marshal. The actor has not endorsed any political party or candidate. Fact-checking organizations and social media users have debunked the misleading caption.

Patanjali, a massive corporate entity, has been utilizing political support and regulatory loopholes to promote pseudoscientific products, leading to a public health emergency. Their false claims about curing various diseases, including cancer, have misled people, resulting in delayed or discontinued scientifically proven treatments. The media, law enforcement, and drug regulators have failed to hold Patanjali accountable, allowing the spread of misinformation. This case highlights the importance of strengthening drug regulations, promoting health security, and recognizing health as a political issue.