Michigan AG warns of AI election misinformation, hoaxes

Less than three weeks before Election Day, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched a new website to combat the growing role of artificial intelligence in election misinformation.

“While technology has made it easier than ever to access election information, the rise of AI has also made it easier for misinformation on these topics to spread,” Nessel said. “To help protect voters from misinformation, this comprehensive guide is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure everyone can confidently navigate the digital landscape and stay informed with the facts they need to make their voices heard in this election.”

The online guide instructs voters to practice caution when using search engines, critically evaluate sources from social media, and rely only on “trusted sources” for election and voting information rather than AI chatbots.

In particular, the website lists local election clerks and the Michigan Department of State as trusted sources for accurate voting and election information. It also recommends Snopes, FactCheck, and Politifact as trusted sources for verifying politicians’ statements and ads and debunking misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Nessel has been focused on countering election misinformation since July, when she spoke on the topic to a group of journalists and urged the press to “educate the public” and “correct those falsehoods.” Since February, knowingly spreading election misinformation is against the law in Michigan.

As of Tuesday, more than 670,000 absentee ballots have been cast in Michigan, according to the Secretary of State’s office.