The Rise of AI-Generated Misinformation in Elections: A Looming Threat to Democracy The 2024 election cycle is upon us, and with it comes a new and potent threat to the integrity of our democratic processes: artificial intelligence-generated misinformation. No longer confined to the realm of science fiction, AI-powered tools are readily available, enabling the creation of highly convincing fake videos, audio, and text that can be weaponized to manipulate public opinion and sow discord. This emerging form of disinformation, often referred to as "deepfakes," poses a significant challenge to election officials, candidates, and voters alike. The accessibility of AI technology…

Finland’s Fortress of Facts: How Youth Are Trained to Combat Disinformation Finland, consistently ranked as having the most resistant population to disinformation in Europe, owes its resilience not to chance but to a deliberate, multi-pronged educational approach embedded in its culture. This "media literacy ecosystem" cultivates critical thinking skills from a young age, equipping citizens, particularly its youth, with the tools to navigate the complex information landscape of the digital age. Unlike reactive approaches that focus on debunking individual falsehoods, Finland has adopted a proactive strategy of inoculation, teaching individuals how to identify manipulative tactics and biased content before they…