The Social Harms of AI-Generated Fake News: Addressing Deepfake and AI Political Manipulation

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) is rapidly transforming the landscape of information dissemination while exacerbating the spread of fake news. This paper examines the mechanisms of AI-generated fake news, the development and societal impact of deepfake technology, and the role of AI in political manipulation and its threats to democratic institutions. The study highlights that AI-generated fake news spreads at an unprecedented speed and scale, exhibits high authenticity, and contributes to social trust crises, political polarization, and economic and legal risks. Furthermore, the paper reviews current countermeasures against AI-generated misinformation, including deepfake detection technologies, automated fake news identification systems, and platform accountability. Based on existing legal and policy frameworks, this study explores how international collaboration among technology, policy, and society can effectively address AI-generated disinformation. Finally, future research directions are proposed, including the application of quantum computing and trusted computing in fake news governance, the ongoing arms race between AI forgery and counter-forgery technologies, and strategies to enhance public digital resilience.