Experts Debate Digital Interference in 2024 Elections at SFLC.in Seminar
How far are IT cells, misinformation, deep fakes, and AI-powered audio and video manipulation likely to influence the forthcoming general elections in India; experts debated at a seminar organised by Delhi-based SFLC.in, a legal not-for-profit organisation. The seminar, titled ‘Ballots and Bots: Elections 2024 In a Digital World’ featured two panel discussions on ‘Misinformation during elections’ and ‘Navigating AI’s impact on elections.’
The discussion on misinformation focused on how in the contemporary digital era, Social media and AI have transformed the realm of elections by changing the way that political campaigns are conducted, voters are profiled & targeted and electoral processes are managed. Panelists also highlighted that there is an urgent need to dissect, understand, and address the multifaceted nature of such a crisis in Indian elections.
Speaking for the first panel discussion on ‘Misinformation during election’, Pratika Sinha said that “We have regressed as a society from 2019 to 2024, and due to misinformation and disinformation. We are at a stage where only governments can do something about it.”
This panel featured distinguished speakers including Karen Rebolo, Deputy Editor at Boom Live; Pratik Sinha, Co-founder and Editor of Alt News, Vineet Kumar, Media Analyst & Assistant Professor at Delhi University; Jasmine Shah, Senior leader of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP); and Mmhonlumo Kikon, National Spokesperson of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Manisha Pande, Executive Editor at Newslaundry moderated the discussion.
The panelists talked about how the sheer influence of social media on political campaigns, and with it, the rising tide of disruptive technologies can potentially threaten electoral integrity.
Speaking for the second-panel discussion on ‘Navigating AI’s impact on elections’, Divyendra Singh Jadoun remarked, “ AI is neutral, it is on the user’s hands that for what purpose they use”. This panel also featured eminent speakers including Charru Malhotra, Professor at the Indian Institute of Public Administration; Tarunima Prabhakar, Co-founder of Tattle; Divyendra Singh Jadoun, Founder of The Indian Deepfaker; and Prasanth Sugathan, Legal Director at SFLC.in. The discussion was moderated by Mishi Choudhary, Founder of SFLC.in.
The panelists examined how the multifaceted AI has transformed elections across the world and what kind of impact it would leave on the Indian general elections in India.
About SFLC.in:
SFLC.in is a donor-supported legal services organisation that has united lawyers, policy analysts, technologists, business professionals, students and citizens to protect freedom in the digital world since 2010. In discussions of technology where Industry and Governments have representations, we endeavour to present the rights of Indian citizens. We fight the good fight in keeping the Internet open, secure and safe for all.
Our objective is to help Indian policymakers make informed and just decisions in the use and adoption of technology for the production of pro-humanity IT. We promote innovation and open access to knowledge by helping developers make great Free and Open Source Software, and protect the privacy and civil liberties of citizens in the digital world. This is achieved through education, original research, policy engagement and provision of free legal services.
