Voters fear AI-fuelled fake news could threaten next general election

01 November 2023 , 00:01

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People fear the spread of fake news generated by Artificial Intelligence could harm democracy (Image: Stoke Sentinel)

Trusted journalism is key to tackling the threat of AI-fuelled misinformation undermining the next general election, a poll reveals today. Research from the News Media Association and Newsworks – published as global and tech leaders gather at Bletchley Park, Bucks, for the world’s first Artificial Intelligence safety summit – shows the spread of fake news is the public’s main fear over the technology.

It topped concerns with 67% saying it was their biggest worry over AI, followed by the lack of human creativity and judgment on 63%, and human job losses on 61%, according to the OnePoll study of 2,000 British adults.

Meanwhile, a YouGov survey of editors and MPs by the NMA shows three quarters of the 110 quizzed MPs quizzed agree that trusted journalism created by news publishers is critical in minimising the risk of misinformation ahead of next year’s ballot.

If you can't see the poll, click here

Some 97% of 30 editors polled said the risk to the public from AI-generated misinformation is greater than ever.

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Hailing the findings, published during Journalism Matters week, Media Minister Sir John Whittingdale said: “At a time when AI can rapidly fuel the spread of fake news, trusted journalism has never been more important. We are in ongoing discussions with news industry leaders on the steps we can take to protect journalism from the risks of AI while harnessing its benefits, and through the UK’s upcoming AI Safety Summit we are working to encourage global cooperation on the responsible use of this powerful technology."

NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “As global leaders gather in Bletchley Park to discuss the future of AI, it is essential that the importance of protecting trusted journalism from the damaging effects of this technology is not overlooked. Society values trusted journalism and it is essential governments do all they can to support a free and sustainable press.”

Ben Glaze