Deepfakes, real votes: Officials contend with rise in AI campaign videos ahead of June 3 election

Election authorities monitor election-related content on social media platforms in Daegu on Feb. 23. [YONHAP] The surge in political deepfakes has become a growing challenge for election authorities ahead of the June 3 local elections. While the Public Official Election Act bans producing, editing and distributing realistic AI-generated campaign materials within 90 days leading up to elections, officials say the rapid spread of manipulated content — often shared in closed online spaces — is exposing the limits of enforcement and raising broader questions about how to regulate AI in future elections. Related Article Vast majority of deepfake crimes target women in teens and twenties: Data OpenAI to shut down viral AI-generated video app Sora that sparked deepfake concerns Authorities vow 'strict punishment' for the creation, spread of AI deepfake videos ahead of elections Outside the 90-day period, such materials are allowed only if they are clearly labeled “AI-generated.” Controversy a