The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has taken a proactive step toward protecting the integrity of the 2026 General Elections by officially establishing the Advisory Board on Informational Integrity. Formalized through Ordinance TSE No. 495/2026, this move is a direct response to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its potential to disrupt the democratic process. In an era where deepfakes, manipulated audio, and automated bot networks can spread misinformation at an unprecedented scale, the court is prioritizing transparency and legitimacy. By creating this specialized advisory body, the TSE is not just reacting to digital threats; it is building a formal shield designed to ensure that the electoral environment remains secure, fair, and grounded in verifiable facts as voters head to the polls.
This new panel is designed to be a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary powerhouse. Recognizing that modern digital threats do not stay within a single lane, the court has intentionally structured the board to include experts from a vast array of fields—ranging from AI research and cybersecurity to constitutional law, public health, and international relations. By bringing together academics, civil society representatives, and professionals in media and technology, the TSE is acknowledging that electoral integrity is a multifaceted challenge. This diverse group will act as a strategic think tank, providing the Court with the specialized intelligence needed to navigate the complex, ever-shifting landscape of digital manipulation, organized crime, and emerging technologies that could threaten the 2026 process.
At the heart of the board’s mandate is a proactive commitment to monitoring and prevention. The ordinance significantly expands the scope of existing electoral oversight, explicitly tasking the members with identifying the specific risks associated with synthetic media and AI-driven disinformation campaigns. It is not merely about identifying what is false; it is about understanding how these phenomena compromise public trust and the democratic structure itself. By analyzing global trends and local data, the board will provide the TSE with actionable recommendations and expert opinions, essentially serving as an early-warning system that helps the judiciary stay two steps ahead of bad actors who seek to undermine the electoral process through technological deception.
Beyond the technical monitoring of risks, the board is tasked with a vital social mission: public digital education. The court recognizes that technology alone cannot solve the problem of misinformation; the ultimate defense is a well-informed electorate. Therefore, the board is expected to spearhead initiatives aimed at teaching voters how to critically evaluate content, recognize signs of AI manipulation, and understand the dangers of circulating unverified information. By fostering a culture of digital literacy, the TSE hopes to empower citizens to become active participants in protecting the truth. This is a shift toward a more collaborative relationship between the court and the public, where institutional guidance meets citizen awareness to create a more resilient information ecosystem.
One of the most notable aspects of this initiative is its structure, which relies on the goodwill and dedication of its members. Participation in the Advisory Board is entirely voluntary and unpaid, officially recognized as a “relevant public service.” This design choice highlights a commitment to public spirit and independence, inviting some of the brightest minds in the country to contribute their expertise for the greater good of democracy. By operating without financial compensation, the board members serve as stewards of the electoral process, motivated by a shared desire to ensure that the 2026 elections remain a true reflection of the popular will, free from the distortions of malicious technological interference.
Looking ahead, the board is scheduled to begin its work in August 2026, with regular monthly sessions serving as a pulse-check for the health of the electoral environment. While the current mandate is set to conclude by the end of the year, the court has left the door open to extend the group’s lifespan if the circumstances demand it. This flexibility underscores the reality that digital threats are constantly evolving; there is no static solution to the problem of misinformation. Ultimately, the creation of this board sends a powerful signal: the electoral authorities are committed to maintaining public trust in the face of rapid technological change. By blending expert oversight with proactive community engagement, the TSE is working to ensure that the 2026 elections are defined by integrity, transparency, and a renewed faith in democratic institutions.