Elections watchdog launches scheme to tackle AI deepfakes ahead of local elections

The UK ’s elections watchdog has launched a deepfake detection scheme in a bid to crackdown on AI fakes ahead of the May elections .

The system will monitor online content for AI -generated audio and video intended to mislead voters in the lead-up to polling day , the Electoral Commission said.

It added deepfakes are “yet to meaningfully affect a UK election”, but warned the technology is becoming “more sophisticated and more accessible”.

The move comes after more than half of voters reported seeing misleading information parties or candidates during the 2024 election, and around a quarter reported seeing or hearing a deepfake.

Last year in Ireland, a deepfake falsely showed a presidential candidate withdrawing from the race just days before polling day.

MPs have previously warned legislation needs to keep up to date with technological developments, including tackling a surge in sexually explicit deepfakes targeting female candidates.

Earlier this year, Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones told the BBC: "I don't think you'll find a politician who hasn't had this done to them... to say it out loud makes me feel quite sad”.

She added that speaking out non-consensual sexual deepfakes could lead to "increased targeting" - and their existence was "no good for any healthy democracy".

The commission said the pilot will identify deepfakes, track their impact on voter intentions, and work with parties and candidates to take down misleading content.

It said the scheme is being delivered in partnership with the Office, and added it would its findings following the May elections.

Voters in England are set to go to the polls on 7 May to elect representatives on local councils.

Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, said: “Voters want accurate information. Deliberately misleading or abusive video of candidates must not be shared. Deepfakes are becoming more sophisticated and more accessible, as we have seen in elections around the world.

“A deepfake is yet to meaningfully affect a UK election, and we are determined to keep it that way. This pilot means we can identify deepfakes quickly, track their impact, work with parties and candidates to take down or correct misleading material. This will give voters confidence that accurate information how elections work is available. We will our findings after the May elections.”