Arizona’s Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, is taking proactive measures by providing training to prevent officials and law enforcement from falling victim to deceptive practices of artificial intelligence during the 2024 elections.
During a recent “tabletop exercise” organized by Fontes’ office, election officials and law enforcement at local, statewide, and federal levels underwent various scenarios to enhance preparedness against potential AI-driven misinformation, as reported by KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show.
Fontes emphasized the importance of these exercises in uncovering vulnerabilities and preparing for deceptive tactics that may arise in the upcoming elections.
The heightened concern in Arizona stems from the state’s significant involvement in the technological landscape and its historical susceptibility to election-related misinformation campaigns.
The training sessions involved simulations where AI was used to impersonate key figures like Fontes, spreading false information to test the readiness of officials and security personnel.
To ensure comprehensive awareness and readiness, Fontes deliberately paired officials with unfamiliar individuals and arranged presentations by national experts to educate Arizona leaders on potential threats.
The upcoming Arizona National Preference Election on March 19 will provide another opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the training before the pivotal 2024 elections.
Fontes expressed satisfaction with the progress made in preparing for the challenges posed by AI-driven deception, underscoring the importance of continuous vigilance and readiness in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
