Deepfakes, desinformación, discursos de odio y democracia en la era de la Inteligencia Artificial

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, and this implies that it also presents new challenges. One of the biggest concerns is the rise of deepfakes, videos or audios manipulated to appear real. This technology has the potential to be used for spreading misinformation, propaganda, and hate speech, posing a serious threat to democracy. Deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. This means they can be used to manipulate public opinion very effectively. For example, deepfakes of politicians saying things they have never said, or celebrities doing things they have never done, can be created. The spread of deepfakes can have a devastating impact on society. It can erode trust in institutions, increase political polarization, and fuel violence. In a world where people do not know what to believe, democracy becomes vulnerable. But is AI truly a threat to democracy? I do not think so. This scenario should not lead us to view AI as an inexorable threat to democracy. The key lies in taking collective responsibility to develop effective detection mechanisms, promote digital literacy and critical thinking among citizens, and safeguard a commitment to truthfulness and constructive debate in the digital realm. Rather than succumbing to panic at the possibility of manipulation, we should focus on empowering individuals to navigate this complex information landscape with discernment. This article proposes, therefore, a perspective of hope: in the battle against the malicious use of AI for purposes of disinformation and hatred, the real challenge might not be the technology itself, but our own fear. Overcoming this fear through education, the development of critical skills, and the promotion of a culture of verification and active participation can not only mitigate the risks associated with deepfakes, misinformation, or hate speech, but also strengthen the pillars of our democracy in the digital age.