As Brazil approaches the 2026 presidential elections, discussions surrounding the impact of Artificial Intelligence on democracy have intensified. In response to the growing misuse of AI in political campaigns, Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court introduced a new measure focused on transparency for manipulated content and combating misinformation.
The decision reflects a broader concern: to what extent can AI shape public opinion and interfere in the democratic process?
When artificial intelligence spreads misinformation
The risks associated with AI in electoral contexts have become increasingly evident across several countries in recent years. During recent political campaigns and elections, digitally manipulated content, commonly referred to as deepfakes, has circulated widely on social media platforms with the aim of influencing public opinion, discrediting candidates, and misleading voters.
In addition to that, AI tools have also been used to manipulate audio recordings, generate fabricated images, and automate misinformation campaigns, further intensifying the challenge of combating fake news for both public authorities and digital platforms.
The Biden deepfake post case and voter manipulation
One of the most widely discussed cases took place during the 2024 United States primary elections, when voters received phone calls featuring an artificially generated voice of the former President, Joe Biden. In the recording, the fake voice encouraged citizens not to vote, in an apparent attempt to discourage electoral participation.
The incident highlighted the growing potential of AI to manipulate voters through highly realistic content capable of blurring the boundary between authentic material and digitally fabricated information.
How AI operates on social media and political platforms
However, the impact of Artificial Intelligence on elections goes beyond deepfakes. Recommendation algorithms determine which content appears more frequently on users’ social media feeds, while data analysis tools allow political campaigns to identify voter behavior patterns and preferences.
The practice of using algorithms to politically alienate people is known as political microtargeting, a strategy in which highly personalized messages are directed toward specific audiences based on their interests, opinions, and online habits.
The scandal that changed debates around digital privacy
One of the best-known examples involving data analysis in political campaigns was the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The company used Facebook users data to deliver personalized political content during electoral campaigns.
The case sparked international debate over digital privacy, large-scale data collection, and the use of algorithms for political manipulation.
Available on Netflix, The Great Hack explores how personal data became a large-scale political influence tool. The documentary also examines how social media platforms and algorithms can shape behaviors, opinions and even electoral decisions.
Can artificial intelligence fight misinformation?
Despite the risks, AI can also be used positively during electoral processes. Automated tools have been developed to identify misinformation networks, detect fake accounts, and assist platforms in removing manipulated content.
In addition, Artificial Intelligence systems can help journalists, fact-checking agencies and researchers monitor the spread of fake news in real time, making the fight against misinformation faster and more efficient.
As examples, technology companies like Meta and Google have developed automated systems capable of detecting synthetic images, identifying coordinated disinformation campaigns and also labeling AI-generated content across their platforms
Governments attempt to regulate AI in elections
Even so, the debate surrounding the limits of Artificial Intelligence in politics remains far from a consensus. In some cases, false content goes viral before it can even be identified or removed, increasing the reach of misinformation.
In this context, governments around the world have started discussing ways to regulate the use of AI during election periods. Outside of Brazil, the European Union introduced the AI Act, one of the world’s first major legislative frameworks specifically designed to regulate artificial intelligence, proposed by the European Commission.
In Canada, the local government has also been debating regulations focused on increasing transparency around AI-generated political content. At the same time, the United Nations have promoted international discussions about the risks AI may pose to democratic systems and human rights.
Can artificial intelligence really change elections?
More than just a technological discussion, the expansion of AI in political campaigns represents a challenge for contemporary democracies. The speed at which manipulated content spreads across social media, combined with the power of algorithms and data analysis, raises an urgent question: can Artificial Intelligence actually change elections?
Although there is still no definitive answer, experts agree that the influence of these technologies on public opinion is already a reality, and that the impact of AI on democratic processes is likely to continue growing in the coming years.
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The article above was edited by Marcela Malafaia.
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