Integrated cell to be formed to curb AI misuse during polls: CEC
The Election Commission (EC) will formulate an action plan and form an integrated cell to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) during the upcoming national elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said today (21 October).
Speaking at a training session held at the Election Training Institute (ETI) in Agargaon, Dhaka, the CEC said the commission is developing strategies to counter misinformation and disinformation driven by AI during the election period.
The seminar, titled "Integration of Artificial Intelligence in the Upcoming Parliamentary Election to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation," was attended by election officials and representatives from various agencies and institutions.
"The misuse of AI has become a global headache," said the CEC. Drawing an analogy, he added, "A doctor and a robber may both use a knife — one for treatment, the other for harm. Similarly, AI is a tool; it depends on how it's used. We are trying to integrate AI into the election process to prevent its misuse."
He further announced that a special cell will be formed to combat misinformation during the election. "It is crucial to determine who will be responsible and how the misinformation will be prevented, especially in remote areas," he said, adding that the commission expects more practical suggestions from the day's seminar.
Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed said AI is influencing people's lives in both subtle and negative ways. "We call this phenomenon misinformation. It's difficult to define its boundaries, but if we don't, it disrupts our activities," he said.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Ahmed noted that around 92 percent of elections worldwide are now questioned in some form due to the negative use of AI and misinformation.
"We are committed to holding a free, fair, and participatory election," he said. "But to achieve that, we must address the challenges posed by this misuse of technology. We need everyone's cooperation to curb this growing threat."