The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia and the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of the University of Latvia to provide opinions on the use of artificial intelligence systems in pre-election campaigning.
The Pre-election Campaign Law requires that paid campaign material created with the help of artificial intelligence systems must contain clear and unambiguous indications about the use of these systems. The most typical use of artificial intelligence during the pre-election campaign period could involve synthesising the voices of candidates or including their portraits in images or videos, simulating conversations or situations that do not correspond to the truth.
If paid campaigning material created with the help of artificial intelligence systems does not include the indication, KNAB is entitled to take a decision to prohibit further placement and distribution of this material. The Pre-election Campaign Law requires KNAB to obtain an expert opinion on the possible use of artificial intelligence systems before taking a decision.
In order to obtain the expert opinion, KNAB signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia and the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of the University of Latvia. The Memorandum provides that experts from educational institutions will provide an opinion upon KNAB's request in relation to pre-election campaign materials before the local elections scheduled for June 7 of this year. The Memorandum expires on December 31 of this year and does not entail any financial commitment.
Amendments to the Pre-election Campaign Law regulating the use of artificial intelligence systems in campaigning entered into force on 7 November 2024. They aim to ensure free and fair elections, and underline the need for transparency in pre-elections and for voters to be properly informed about cases where artificial intelligence has been used to create campaign material.