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AI Threatens UK General Election, Warns Cyber Security Agency

AI Threatens UK General Election, Warns Cyber Security Agency

Lion Herald Newsletter | Issue #21 - Tuesday / November 14, 2023 | Lincoln, UK

November 14, 2023

Dear Lion Herald Reader,

Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements pose an escalating danger to the integrity of the upcoming UK general election, according to a cautionary statement from Britain's cyber security authority, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

The agency's annual review of cyber security issues highlighted concerns about the potential interference from countries like Russia, not only in the UK's election but also in major elections across Western democracies, including the United States.

The NCSC, a part of GCHQ, emphasized the rising risk of sophisticated technologies such as deepfake videos and other forms of disinformation that could influence voter preferences.

Despite the safeguard of paper voting in UK general elections, the agency expressed apprehension about the significant strides AI has taken, enabling the acceleration of existing techniques rather than introducing entirely new risks.

The particular concerns outlined in the review include the rapid dissemination of fabricated online posts and the widespread impact of deepfake campaigns on social media. The NCSC firmly asserted that any interference or attempts to undermine political discourse are unacceptable, and the UK government is committed to enhancing capabilities to counter online threats, including disinformation.

The agency explained how the "threat landscape" has evolved significantly since the last UK general election in 2019, particularly due to Russia's conflict with Ukraine. This geopolitical situation has made influencing political discourse in democracies more appealing to state actors.

Additionally, the report highlighted the emergence of cyber actors aligned with malign states, such as Russia, sharing similar ideological goals but potentially acting with less restraint—a new challenge for the UK.

In response to these threats, the UK has established a Defending Democracy Taskforce and a Joint Election Security Preparedness unit. While Russia was a primary focus, the report also underscored the persistent cyber threats posed by China, Iran, and North Korea.

The NCSC concluded by stressing that democratic events, especially elections, are attractive targets for malicious actors. Therefore, organizations and individuals must be prepared for both old and new threats.

Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief / Lion Herald

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