Quarter of Israelis consider using AI for election votes amid rising online disinformation surge

A recent survey by the Israeli Internet Association (IIA) reveals that a quarter of Israelis are considering using artificial intelligence (AI) to inform their voting decisions, despite widespread exposure to online disinformation. The survey found that 71% of respondents frequently or occasionally encounter false election-related information, and 56.8% encounter fake online accounts. Additionally, 48.2% reported frequent or occasional exposure to AI being used to harm or defame individuals.

• The IIA warns that these digital risks, including violence and incitement, could intensify during the election campaign.
• Disinformation exposure cuts across the political spectrum, with similar rates reported by those identifying with the Right (73.3%), Center (69.5%), and Left (68.9%).
• In response, the IIA is publishing a guide to help voters critically evaluate information, recommending they check sources, cross-reference data, and verify publication dates.
• The association cautions against blindly trusting AI, stating that AI systems can make mistakes, invent facts, and should be used for research and comparison rather than for direct voting recommendations. Dr. Shaked Davran Zivan of the IIA emphasized, "A free and fair election depends not only on our ability to choose, but also on our ability to make a decision based on reliable information.”