TSE and Google Launch Tool to Combat Deepfakes in Elections

On August 26, 2026, the Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) and Google announced a partnership to combat deepfakes targeting candidates in the upcoming elections. The initiative introduces the Likeness ID tool, which allows candidates to register their images and track unauthorized uses of their likenesses on YouTube. Candidates must verify their identity through official documents and selfies to use the tool, which scans for potential deepfake content. If a candidate's image is found in a video, they receive a notification and can request removal if misuse is confirmed. This tool aims to enhance the protection of candidates' images amid increasing AI-generated content. The TSE emphasized that while this tool aids in monitoring, human oversight remains crucial. The partnership is particularly significant for women candidates, who are often disproportionately targeted by image-related attacks.

Key Points: • TSE and Google launched Likeness ID to track deepfakes of candidates. • Candidates must verify identity to use the tool, which scans YouTube for unauthorized content. • The initiative aims to protect candidates' images during the 2026 elections.