Commerce Secretary ‘very concerned’ AI will be used to rig 2024 elections

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Thursday at a press conference in Washington, D.C., that she is “very concerned” that artificial intelligence will be used to steal the 2024 election.

“AI can do amazing things, and AI can disrupt our elections here and around the world,” she said. “We’re already starting to see it.”

Raimondo was asked by ABC News about robocalls purporting to be from President Biden on the day of the New Hampshire primary that spread misinformation about voting times.

He said the government would work “extensively” to develop an AI framework to help people, including journalists, decipher what is real and what is fake.

The Commerce Secretary added that AI companies want to do the right thing based on the conversations they have with them.

“Are you worried? Yes,” she said. “Do we think we have the means to protect elections and democracy? Yes. From our interactions with the private sector, do we think they want to do the right thing? By and large, yes. This is a huge threat.”

Regarding China and AI, Raimondo said, “We have to stay ahead of trends.”

The Department of Commerce on Thursday formed a consortium of government and private companies to tackle AI challenges.

“This is a big deal,” Raimondo said. “This is the world’s largest collection of leading AI developers, users, researchers, and interested groups.Starting with more than 200 members, the consortium includes Fortune 500 companies, academic teams, nonprofit organizations, Governments included.” Agencies came together to focus on the research and development needed to enable safe and reliable AI systems. ”

Raimondo said he is often asked whether AI will “wipe out humanity.”

She disputed this, saying we were in control now and in an “early innings.”

“We are responsible for how we develop, use and regulate AI. So that’s how I feel about elections. And it’s now our responsibility to do the right thing.” is.”