An extensive investigation by fact-checking organization Dismislab has uncovered a proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated political campaign videos on social media platforms ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th Parliamentary Election on February 12. Many of these videos lack mandatory disclosure labels, raising concerns about misinformation.
In early January, a Facebook video surfaced featuring an elderly man endorsing the BNP and its electoral symbol, the “sheaf of paddy,” promising various benefits if the party wins. Another video, posted a day later, showcased a woman expressing support for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its electoral symbol, the scale (daripalla), citing reasons related to justice and rights.
Upon closer examination, inconsistencies emerged in these videos, including frequent scene cuts every eight seconds, indicating AI generation. Dismislab documented over 800 AI-generated videos on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok between January 1 and 15, with a significant portion lacking proper AI disclosure.
Among the findings, it was revealed that AI characters were strategically used to promote political parties and sway voter opinions. The videos featured fabricated characters, including police officers, journalists, minority community members, children, and ordinary citizens, endorsing specific parties and spreading misinformation.
Furthermore, the investigation highlighted how AI-generated content aimed to discredit rival parties, portraying them negatively and influencing public perception. The lack of consistent AI labels across platforms and the vulnerability of users with low digital literacy were also flagged as significant concerns by Dismislab.
Experts warned that confirmation bias during elections could make voters susceptible to trusting and sharing misleading content that aligns with their beliefs. The Election Commission of Bangladesh expressed apprehensions about AI-driven misinformation and emphasized the need for greater vigilance and regulation in the digital political landscape.
In light of these revelations, calls have been made for clearer regulations and mandatory AI disclosure requirements to prevent the spread of deceptive AI-generated content and safeguard the integrity of election processes. REWRITE_BLOCKED:
