Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and synthetic media have added new layers of complexity when combating disinformation. These technologies can create highly realistic but entirely fabricated content, making it increasingly difficult for individuals and organisations to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

With more than half the world’s population voting in elections in 2024, the impact of deepfakes on public discourse and our ability to maintain fact-based narratives is a major concern for democracies across the world this year.

Commonwealth Parliamentarians joined leading experts to discuss these issues at the CPA and UNDP Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Disinformation: ‘Democracy in the age of deepfakes’ held in Singapore from 18 to 20 June 2024. The Conference aimed to raise awareness about the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence and synthetic media and their implications for democracies.

The Conference featured panel discussions, roundtables, dialogues, explainers and Q&As with experts in the field covering topics such as:

• the core concepts of disinformation, AI and synthetic media
• the threat landscape and the strategies to combat disinformation
• the legislative environment and policies to ensure the integrity of digital democracies.

On the second day of the CPA/UNDP Conference, delegates visited AI Singapore, one of the leading research companies working with new technologies and the national AI programme, where they heard about the innovative work taking place on building an AI ecosystem and harnessing synthetic media.

Delegates were welcomed by Ms Tin Pei Ling, MP, on behalf of the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, who said:

“Whilst advances in AI technologies bring numerous opportunities and benefits in the ways we work, live and interact with each other, it is important that we acknowledge the threats posed by any potential misuses and abuses of these powerful tools. We are delighted that Singapore has been chosen to host this landmark event in the CPA’s calendar and that delegates have the opportunity to engage with some of the innovators and experts based here in Singapore.”

Delegates attended from CPA Branches in Borno (Nigeria); British Virgin Islands; Cameroon; Ghana; Jamaica; Kenya; Malawi; Namibia; New South Wales (Australia); Nigeria; Penang (Malaysia); Queensland (Australia); Singapore; Sri Lanka; United Kingdom; Victoria (Australia); Wales; Western Australia; Zanzibar.

As part of the programme for the Conference, the delegates visited the Parliament of Singapore for a tour with the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Christopher de Souza, MP.

The Conference also provided an opportunity for Parliamentarians, academics and experts to network and exchange best practices with their counterparts from the nine CPA Regions, as well as to identify key actors who can help shape the conversation around AI and disinformation.

Reflecting on the CPA and UNDP AI Conference, the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, said:

"The conference was a valuable opportunity for Parliamentarians to learn from experts and each other about the latest developments in AI and synthetic media, and their impact on our public discourse. I believe that Legislators have a vital role in ensuring the integrity of our digital democracies, and I hope that the conference will inspire them to take action and collaborate with key actors in this field."

Democratic governance specialist, Alex Read spoke on behalf of the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development and said:

“This AI Conference provides us with a valuable opportunity to come together to discuss and exchange views on the latest developments in generative AI and its impact on our democracies. We hope our partnership with CPA through this Conference will raise awareness about the latest developments in AI and AI-generated content and identify ways that we can work together to create legislative environments and policies that ensure the integrity of democracy.”

In response to these emerging technologies, the CPA has developed a Parliamentary Handbook on Disinformation, AI and Synthetic Media in partnership with the Organization of American States (OAS). The handbook contains effective strategies for combating disinformation and guidance on how Parliamentarians can work with other stakeholders, including civil society, the media and technology companies, to develop effective policies and regulatory/legislative frameworks to address the challenges of disinformation, as well as how they can take steps to safeguard their own online profiles and communication channels.

To view images from the CPA/UNDP Conference please click here.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

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