AI: A Double-Edged Sword in Combating Digital Interference
The rise of AI intensifies digital interference risks, making stronger regulations and innovations like Viginum essential to safeguard democracies.
Harnessing AI for Digital Interference
The adverse impact of malicious foreign digital interference is well-established. With social networks increasingly becoming tools for manipulation, enhancing our detection and characterization capabilities has become critical. Although the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is still limited, there is a growing concern about its potential misuse for malicious purposes.
Current threats include the creation of plausible but fake content using open-source AI tools, the generation of fake accounts powered by AI that mimics human behavior, and the widespread dissemination of manipulated content across various platforms.
Expectations for Platform Regulation
In response to these threats, Clara Chappaz urges the mobilization of all necessary resources to counteract them. Emphasis is placed on regulating platforms and developing AI-based solutions. Under the European Digital Services Act (DSA), platforms are required to moderate and remove misleading content and curb its viral spread. Chappaz advocates for closer cooperation with French and European authorities, pushing for better access to platform data and APIs to ensure effective regulation and protect democracy.
Viginum, a Major Ally
The fight against foreign digital interference has been bolstered by the establishment of Viginum on July 13, 2021. This agency focuses on safeguarding the public digital debate, protecting the nation’s core interests.
Viginum’s operational pillars include geopolitical analysis, data science, and digital investigation. It is equipped to identify threats posed by AI in information manipulation and develop AI tools for detecting malicious activities. Since its inception in 2022, Viginum has documented numerous information manipulation campaigns, proving its effectiveness in this critical battle.
Public awareness and investment in research on preventive solutions remain equally crucial.