Addressing the Role of Deepfake Technology in Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections

 

Cole Leis

July 16, 2025

 

Executive Summary

Due to significant gaps in artificial intelligence (AI) policy in the U.S., it is too easy for foreign adversaries to use deepfake technology to spread election disinformation and therefore interfere in U.S. elections. The U.S. must act to preserve election integrity, prevent the public’s interests from being undermined, and maintain public trust in democratic institutions. To counter foreign adversaries’ use of deepfakes to interfere in elections, policymakers should consider transparency and disclosure mandates, prohibitions on certain kinds of deceptive AI content, foreign influence threat report requirements for social media platforms, investment in AI detection capabilities, media literacy promotion through educational initiatives, collaboration with foreign partners, and additional research into foreign adversaries’ use of generative AI.

 

 

 

 

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