AI and the Election - What To Watch

Impossible Tradeoffs with Katie Harbath

In this episode, Tim Harper discusses his extensive background in election administration and technology, focusing on the intersection of democracy and technology. He elaborates on his work with the Bipartisan Policy Center's task force aimed at improving election processes, as well as his current role at the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), where he addresses the challenges posed by generative AI in elections. (You can find all of CDT’s reports on elections here.) Tim shares insights from a recent report on AI chatbots and their impact on voting accessibility, highlighting the risks of misinformation and the need for better policies from tech companies. He also reflects on his experience at Facebook, where he managed political advertising policy during a tumultuous election period. In this conversation, Tim Harper discusses the complexities of managing online platforms during elections, focusing on policy development, crisis response, and the impact of generative AI. He highlights the challenges faced by tech companies in combating misinformation and ensuring election integrity, while also addressing the need for better communication and coordination among stakeholders. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation for both election day and the critical period following it, where misinformation and potential political violence could arise.

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