Alarming AI ads are flooding social media in the lead-up to Victoria’s election. But who is behind them?
Political groups in Victoria are spending significant amounts on AI-generated social media advertisements ahead of the state election. These ads, which depict alarming scenarios, have raised questions about transparency and the influence of non-party political actors.
Why it matters
The use of AI in political campaigning poses new challenges for voter information, transparency, and the regulation of political advertising.
A screenshot from a Fix Victoria advertisement produced using artificial intelligence. The water symbolises Victoria's ‘tsunami of debt’ said to be endangering key services and children A screenshot from a Fix Victoria advertisement produced using artificial intelligence. The water symbolises Victoria's ‘tsunami of debt’ said to be endangering key services and children Victorian politics Alarming AI ads are flooding social media in the lead-up to Victoria’s election. But who is behind them? A machete-wielding robber, a ‘tsunami of debt’ … campaigns echoing opposition talking points outspend major parties
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Prefer the Guardian on Google A man clad in a balaclava and brandishing a machete terrorises a worker at a petrol station before firebombing the building on the way out.
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