AI-generated content to convey falsehoods about the upcoming elections is on the rise in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes warned.

Fontes recently launched an Advisory Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Electoral Security with two goals: to look at AI technologies to protect elections and to raise awareness of fake and disruptive AI content.

The committee consists of subject matter expertsled by co-chairs Chris Cummiskey, cybersecurity expert and former Democratic state lawmaker, and Gowri Ramachandran, director of elections and security at the Brennan Center for Justice.

“We have seen artificial intelligence manipulated media used right here in Arizona to spread false information,” Fontes said in a statement. “This is real, and voters need to pay attention. Rely on reliable sources and report misinformation to protect the integrity of your vote.”

Committee issued four key recommendations for voters:

• Learn. Access election information from trusted sources. Voters were encouraged to visit Arizona Secretary of State website for accurate and up-to-date election details. The proliferation of fake content, including deepfakes, means voters must remain vigilant. According to the committee, fake news and misinformation can spread six times faster than accurate information on social media platforms, making it “essential to verify” before sharing.

• Get involved. Active participation in democratic processes is key to rejecting disinformation. The panel encouraged voters to engage in “civil discussions” with others, as well as share accurate information about the election to counter rumors and false content. Additionally, the group advised community members to “make a plan to vote.” Voters can visit Arizona. Vote to find their polling place or to request a postal ballot.

• Question. Critical thinking is the first line of defense against misinformation. Before sharing political content, the group recommended voters check “multiple credible sources,” including government websites.

• Report. When you come across false election information, report it directly to the platform where it was found. “Reporting plays a critical role in ensuring that false information is addressed quickly and effectively,” the committee said.

Arizona Election 2024: What you need to know about federal, state and local races

The Arizona Secretary of State’s office offers a hotline for reporting suspicious election-related activity at 1-877-THE-VOTE (1-877-843-8683) or by email at [email protected].

Coleby Phillips is a reporter at The Arizona Republic who focuses on election disinformation. This work is made possible by a grant from the Center for Media Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin. Contact him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on the Arizona Republic: Beware of AI-Based Disinformation, Arizona Secretary of State Warns