Minister of Internal Affairs on AI-Generated Manipulative Materials and Pre-Electoral Risks

Today, a press conference is taking place featuring the Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan, during which Auroranews directed a question to the minister. The inquiry highlights the significant spread of AI-generated audiovisual clips known as deepfakes. Prior to the presidential elections in Moldova in 2024, fake messages purportedly from President Maya Sandu were produced using this technology, gaining considerable traction on social platforms and creating confusion among the populace.

What would happen, for example, if on the day of silence preceding parliamentary elections, or on June 7, for instance, in malls or supermarkets throughout the Republic where music or advertisements are broadcast, suddenly a provocative and manipulative statement in the voice of the Prime Minister or another high-ranking official is heard, generated by artificial intelligence? Advertisements and music playing in shopping centers are, in fact, not regulated by any state authority. Until the authors of such incidents are located and an official denial is issued, this manipulative trick could have serious consequences. The police have technologies to prevent this phenomenon and locate the authors.

In response to Auroranews’ question, Minister Arpine Sargsyan stated: “You are speaking about the manifestation of hybrid threats. We have a fairly active dialogue with our partners in Moldova, especially during this pre-election period to ensure that we are aware of any scenarios that have been observed in different countries, making it identifiable, predictable, and manageable for us. In this regard, AI-generated materials are part of it, and our partners have also conveyed this signal, and I believe that the solution in any situation is to ensure open and transparent dialogue with our public and to respond appropriately and competently to similar manipulative messages.”

“At this moment, various manipulative materials are indeed being generated, and the government has a policy to continue open dialogue with our public, so that these manipulative materials do not have a long life in practice, and our community also understands what expressions may be anticipated in the future.” Regarding specific violations on the day of silence, there are, of course, legal mechanisms in place regarding violations of the rules. Of course, under conditions of artificial intelligence, the work of law enforcement agencies has become somewhat more complicated, but we are striving to improve our capabilities so that such situations remain in our field of view.”