A manipulated image shows Taylor Swift dressed as Uncle Sam, falsely implying her support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The image, which appears to have been created using AI, was shared by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, leading to debates over its authenticity.

This incident highlights the growing concern about AI-generated content, known as deepfakes, which can create misleading visuals and videos. Disinformation experts warn that such technology will likely cause significant issues during the election cycle. “I’m worried as we move closer to the election, this is going to explode,” said Emilio Ferrara, a computer science professor.

Social media platforms like Facebook and X have policies against manipulated media but struggle to enforce them as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent. Platforms often focus on labeling and fact-checking rather than removing content, which can still contribute to misinformation.

Efforts to address the issue include proposed legislation that would require social media companies to remove unauthorized deepfakes. Some tech companies are encouraging the use of AI tools for various purposes, but this also increases the risk of misuse.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that current laws do not specifically address deepfakes, leaving social media companies in a difficult position. As the election approaches, the potential for deepfakes to influence public perception and spread false information remains a significant concern.