LT. GOVERNOR WAY AND ATTORNEY GENERAL PLATKIN ISSUE GUIDANCE ON HOW TO RECOGNIZE POLITICAL “DEEPFAKES”

With the presidential election approaching, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way (in her capacity as Secretary of State) and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued guidance to help New Jersey residents identify and avoid spreading deepfake photos, videos, and audio that use generative AI technologies to spread misinformation aimed at manipulating and misleading voters.

To prevent AI-generated technology from maliciously interfering with the upcoming presidential election, Lt. Governor Way­ and Attorney General Platkin are raising public awareness of how deepfakes can be used to spread false or misleading information about candidates, political parties, and the voting process itself, including where to vote, or even who has the right to vote. The guidance also educates voters on how to spot and avoid spreading deepfakes and where to report them.

“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and preserving the integrity of that process is paramount,” said Attorney General Platkin. “By raising the public’s awareness of political deepfakes, we are minimizing this potential threat to our electoral process and providing New Jersey voters with critical tools to help them cast their ballot with confidence.”

“As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, it is more crucial than ever to protect our electoral process from the growing threats of mis-, dis-, and mal-information,” said Lieutenant Governor Way, who serves as New Jersey’s chief election official in her capacity as Secretary of State. “Generative AI has made it easier to produce political deepfakes—whether through manipulated images, videos, or voices—that mislead and deceive voters. This initiative is a vital step in helping voters recognize these tactics and ensuring the integrity of our free and fair elections.”