MIT AI Risk Repository · Risk Category · 19.02.00
Informational and Communicational AI Risks
Description
"Informational and communicational AI risks refer particularly to informational manipulation through AI systems that influence the provision of information (Rahwan, 2018; Wirtz & Müller, 2019), AIbased disinformation and computational propaganda, as well as targeted censorship through AI systems that use respectively modified algorithms, and thus restrict freedom of speech."
From Governance of artificial intelligence: A risk and guideline-based integrative framework (Wirtz2022), as extracted by the MIT AI Risk Repository (CC BY 4.0).
Classification
- Domain
- 4. Malicious actors
- Causal entity
- Other
- Intent
- Intentional
- Timing
- Post-deployment
Subdomain definition: Using AI systems to conduct large-scale disinformation campaigns, malicious surveillance, or targeted and sophisticated automated censorship and propaganda, with the aim to manipulate political processes, public opinion and behavior.
Real-world incidents in this subdomain
- Suspected AI-Generated Deepfake Video Reportedly Targeted Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Instagram
- Purportedly AI-Manipulated Satellite Image Reportedly Claimed Iranian Strike Destroyed U.S. Radar in Qatar
- Purported AI-Generated War Footage Reportedly Circulated Widely Online During the Opening Phase of the War in Iran
- Network of Allegedly Fake Facebook Profiles with Purportedly AI-Generated Images Amplified Posts by Bulgaria's 'There Is Such a People' (ITN) Party
- Purportedly AI-Generated Image Reportedly Circulated Ahead of Thai Election Depicting PM Anutin Charnvirakul Dining with Benjamin Mauerberger
- Purportedly AI-Altered Images Reportedly Distort Evidence After Minneapolis Shooting of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti
How other frameworks describe this risk
Other entries from Wirtz2022
- Technological, Data and Analytical AI Risks
- Loss of control of autonomous systems and unforeseen behaviour due to lack of transparency and self-programming/ reprogramming
- Programming error
- Lack of data, poor data quality, and biases in training data
- Vulnerability of AI systems to attacks and misuse
- Lack of AI experts with comprehensive AI knowledge
- Immaturity of AI technology can cause incorrect decisions
- High investment costs of AI hinder integration
- Manipulation and control of information provision (e.g., personalised adds, filtered news)
- Disinformation and computational propaganda
- Censorship of opinions expressed in the Internet restricts freedom of expression
- Endangerment of data protection through AI cyberattacks