THE USE OF DEEPFAKE TECHNOLOGIES FOR INFLUENCING ELECTORAL PROCESSES AND THEIR IMPACT ON NATIONAL SECURITY

Абстракт

The study examines the technological phenomenon of deepfake as a tool for influencing electoral processes and its impact on national security through the formation and manipulation of attitudes of individuals and social groups toward the electoral process. In the context of increasing digitalization of society and the growing influence of social media, synthetically generated content is gaining significant potential to shape public opinion, particularly during sensitive periods such as election campaigns. The article analyzes the technological characteristics of deepfake technologies and their primary applications in undermining trust in electoral processes and in the actors involved, as well as the specific mechanisms through which voter attitudes are influenced. Particular attention is given to the risks to national security, including the erosion of public trust, the potential for external interference through information operations, and the capacity for destabilization of the social environment. The study also examines the challenges associated with the legal regulation of deepfake technologies, with reference to relevant European initiatives and the existing national legal framework. It concludes by arguing for the necessity of a comprehensive approach incorporating legal, technological, and institutional measures aimed at limiting the misuse of synthetic content and ensuring the security and integrity of electoral processes.