Deepfakes Go Global: AI Fakes Target Elections in Nepal and Beyond

Deepfakes Go Global: AI Fakes Target Elections in Nepal and Beyond A new wave of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated "deepfake" videos is threatening to distort elections and mislead voters worldwide, with a recent high-profile case in Nepal highlighting the urgent danger to democratic processes. Last year, a fabricated video showing three of Nepal’s top political figures meeting and forming an alliance spread rapidly online ahead of national elections. The clip, which was entirely generated by AI, falsely depicted Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Rabi Lamichhane, former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, and former power sector chief Kulman Ghising [57866]. The meeting never occurred, but the realistic forgery succeeded in sparking widespread rumors. This incident is part of a growing international trend where accessible AI tools are used to create convincing false content. Experts warn these deepfakes, which can make it appear a person said or did something they never did, pose a severe threat to informed public debate and electoral integrity [57866]. Without clear labeling, voters can struggle to distinguish real news from AI-generated fiction. The risk is not confined to any single region. In Malaysia, political parties are heavily targeting young voters through digital platforms, a landscape where deepfakes could easily proliferate [57734]. Similarly, in Bangladesh, the formation of a new, unprecedented political alliance has created a complex information environment where false narratives could take root [56551]. Political analysts are calling for urgent public awareness campaigns, arguing that teaching media literacy is now a critical component of defending democracy [57866]. The situation underscores a global challenge: as political competition moves increasingly online, the tools for digital deception are becoming more powerful and accessible, leaving electoral systems vulnerable to a new form of technological sabotage. Fake Leaders, Real Fear: AI Deepfakes Target Nepal Election Malaysia's Ruling Party Courts Youth with "Domination" Message Islamist Parties Forge Unprecedented Political Alliance in Bangladesh