INEC strengthening capacity to tackle AI-generated election misinformation – Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it is strengthening its technical capacity to detect and counter AI-generated misinformation, deepfakes and coordinated attempts to manipulate Nigeria’s electoral processes.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while speaking at the Beyond the Ballot event in Abuja.

Amupitan said the commission has upgraded its technical infrastructure and operational procedures to monitor public data streams for early signs of coordinated manipulation targeting election operations.

He said: “We are upgrading our technical capacity to monitor public data streams for early signs of coordinated manipulations targeting elections operations.”

The INEC chairman added that the commission had improved its ability to detect fabricated content, verify suspicious media and issue authoritative clarifications through established communication channels, including traditional broadcast platforms.

He said: “We enhanced our capacity and workflow to detect these fakes, verify suspect media and issue authoritative clarifications.”

Amupitan, however, stressed that INEC could not tackle the growing threat of digital misinformation without the cooperation of other stakeholders.

“However, we cannot do this alone, hence this gathering,” he said.

He explained that technical preparedness within the electoral management body was not sufficient to address the threat of artificial intelligence-generated misinformation, particularly when fake content impersonates election officials.

Using a hypothetical scenario, Amupitan said an AI-generated deepfake announcing the postponement of an election would require an immediate, coordinated response rather than an isolated press statement.

He said social media platforms must establish fast-track escalation channels to review, label or remove demonstrably manipulated content that violates their policies on electoral interference.

“That is why we are partnering with some of these major social media platforms,” he added.

The INEC chairman also called on telecommunications providers and media organisations to maintain clear communication channels for the prompt dissemination of verified institutional information.

He further said fact-checkers and independent journalists should have direct access to designated communication desks to verify electoral information within minutes rather than hours.