The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has disclosed its plan to strengthen monitoring and rapid-response mechanisms to tackle the growing threat of AI-generated fake news ahead of the 2027 general elections. This move aims to address the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create convincing fake videos, cloned voices, fabricated documents, and manipulated images that could make election-related misinformation and disinformation more difficult to detect.
INEC's Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, stated that the commission has an AI division, a media monitoring unit, and a dedicated rapid-response team to identify and address fabricated electoral content. Ifogah urged Nigerians to rely on information and election results released through INEC's verified communication channels, emphasizing that the commission's monitoring mechanisms would be used to identify fake content, while disclaimers would be issued where necessary.
According to Ifogah, INEC is working with major technology and social media platforms, including Meta, X, TikTok, Google, and WhatsApp, as part of efforts to address election-related misinformation and disinformation. This collaboration aims to ensure that the commission can effectively identify and counter fake content on these platforms.
Cybersecurity and AI expert, Salami Daniel, noted that AI has significantly lowered the barrier to creating fake audio, videos, images, and documents. He warned that fabricated content could be produced and circulated widely before the affected person or institution had an opportunity to respond, and that AI tools can also be used to clone voices and imitate the appearance and mannerisms of public officials.
Experts, including Opeyemi Kehinde, an editor at FactCheckHub and coordinator of the Nigerian Fact-Checkers' Coalition, have urged journalists to exercise caution before publishing or amplifying unusual election-related content. Kehinde emphasized the need for verification from the original source and cross-checking with the relevant authority, noting that no single detection tool is completely reliable.
The concerns about AI-generated fake news come against the backdrop of the extensive circulation of false claims and manipulated materials during the 2023 general elections. The Nigerian Fact-Checkers' Coalition had established election situation rooms to monitor misinformation and disinformation capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process.
As the 2027 elections approach, INEC faces the challenge of detecting fabricated content and ensuring that verified information reaches voters quickly enough. Experts say that delayed responses could allow false information to spread widely before corrections are issued, emphasizing the need for stronger coordination among INEC, political parties, media organisations, technology platforms, and fact-checking groups.
Key points
- INEC is strengthening its monitoring and rapid-response mechanisms to tackle AI-generated fake news ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The commission is working with major technology and social media platforms to address election-related misinformation and disinformation.
- Experts urge voters to scrutinise the sources of election-related information and verify claims through official communication channels.
