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AI Fake Video Targeting Shetland MSP to Be Included in Electoral Interference Investigation
A deepfake video falsely depicting Shetland’s newly elected Member of Scottish Parliament is expected to be part of an upcoming Electoral Commission Scotland investigation into electoral interference.
The commission confirmed it will gather evidence from voters, candidates, campaigners, and administrators to evaluate experiences with false information during the recent campaign, including AI-generated content.
Hannah Mary Goodlad, who made history this week by winning the Shetland seat for the Scottish National Party (SNP), was targeted during her campaign with a sophisticated AI-generated video. The fake footage used her likeness and voice to falsely claim she was advocating for “female-only cabins” on NorthLink ferries, which provide essential transportation services to the islands.
The fabricated content appeared on TikTok while Goodlad was campaigning on a platform to eliminate peak fares for islanders using what locals consider a lifeline ferry service.
“It has really shaken me,” Goodlad told The Shetland Times after the incident. “To see something that looks like me and sounds like me but isn’t me is really quite upsetting.”
The incident highlighted growing concerns about AI’s potential to disrupt democratic processes even in local elections. Goodlad noted that similar tactics previously seen in U.S. and UK national elections have now reached local Scottish politics.
“We saw this sort of thing in the US election and UK election and now there are even smear tactics at a very local level,” she said, pointing to the broader implications of living in today’s digital age.
Despite this attempted interference, Goodlad secured a landmark victory on Thursday, ending the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ 27-year hold on the Shetland constituency. Her win represents a significant shift in the political landscape of the Northern Isles.
Cahir Hughes, acting head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, confirmed that the election count “ran smoothly and took place transparently in the presence of candidates, their agents and the media.” Hughes acknowledged the considerable effort required to deliver the election and thanked those involved for their “dedication and professionalism in delivering these well run and accessible polls.”
Prior to the election, the commission had joined forces with the Electoral Management Board and Police Scotland to advocate for a campaign environment free from abuse and intimidation.
“The abuse and intimidation of candidates, elected officials and electoral workers comes at a great personal cost and it is damaging to our democracy,” Hughes emphasized. “We have been alert to the spread of false information, including AI-generated content, but have not seen significant deep-fakes affecting the Scottish parliament election.”
While the commission noted that widespread AI manipulation did not materialize across the broader Scottish elections, Goodlad’s experience highlights the growing threat posed by increasingly accessible and sophisticated AI tools.
The upcoming investigation will examine various aspects of election integrity, with the commission planning to publish its statutory report on the Scottish Parliament election in autumn. The report will include recommendations for necessary improvements to protect the democratic process.
The incident in Shetland serves as a cautionary example of how AI-generated disinformation can target candidates at all levels of government, potentially influencing voter perceptions and democratic outcomes. As technology continues to advance, electoral authorities worldwide face mounting challenges in distinguishing between authentic and fabricated content.
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14 Comments
Kudos to the Electoral Commission for taking this issue seriously. Monitoring and addressing false information during elections is crucial for maintaining faith in the democratic process.
Absolutely. Proactive steps to combat electoral interference through technology are essential. I hope the Commission’s investigation leads to effective safeguards.
The use of deepfake technology to spread false claims during an election is very concerning. I’m glad the Electoral Commission is looking into this case to understand the full impact and prevent future abuse.
Agreed, this is a serious issue that threatens the fairness and transparency of elections. The Commission’s investigation is crucial to addressing the problem.
The use of deepfake technology to spread disinformation during an election is extremely troubling. The Commission’s investigation is crucial to ensuring the fairness and transparency of the democratic process.
Absolutely. Combating the spread of false information through emerging technologies should be a top priority for election authorities. I hope this investigation leads to meaningful solutions.
Disturbing to see a candidate targeted with an AI-generated smear video. The Commission is right to make this a priority and work to ensure voters have access to truthful information.
Absolutely. Protecting the democratic process from technological manipulation should be a top priority. I hope the investigation leads to effective safeguards.
Deeply concerning to see a candidate targeted with a fabricated video. The Commission’s investigation is an important step in understanding and addressing this threat to electoral integrity.
I agree, this is a very serious issue that requires a robust response. Voters deserve accurate information and protection from technological manipulation.
This is a worrying development that undermines public trust in the electoral system. The Commission’s investigation will be important to understand the scope of the problem and develop solutions.
Agreed, the use of deepfakes to spread disinformation is a serious threat that must be addressed. I hope the Commission’s findings lead to meaningful action.
Deplorable to see AI-generated misinformation targeting election candidates. The Scottish Electoral Commission is right to investigate this incident thoroughly. Voters deserve accurate information to make informed decisions.
Absolutely, this kind of electoral interference is unacceptable. The Commission must take strong action to protect the integrity of the democratic process.