FREEDOM ON THE NET 2024 The Struggle for Trust Online A healthy 21st-century democracy cannot function without a trustworthy online environment, in which free expression and access to diverse information prevail. Center for Justice. A Michigan law enacted in November 2023 requires labeling of political advertisements generated by AI and introduces criminal penalties for using the technology, without appropriate labels, to “deceive” voters in the 90 days ahead of an election. A Florida law passed in March 2024 amends the state’s campaign finance framework to require the labeling of AI-generated content in political ads. Electoral campaigns in a number of countries deployed generative AI during the coverage period, underscoring the need for clear rules as this technology becomes enmeshed in the ordinary practice of modern politics. Successful Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto used an AI-generated avatar to rebrand himself as a cuddly and catobsessed figure, appealing to younger voters and effectively papering over credible allegations that he had committed human rights abuses as a military commander before the country’s transition to democracy. During Argentina’s November 2023 presidential runoff, candidates Javier Milei and Sergio Massa integrated AI-generated memes into their campaigning, most notably when the Massa camp posted an AI-manipulated video that depicted Milei speaking about a private market for the sale of organs, effectively mocking a previous statement he had made. 20 @freedomonthenet Internet freedom as a pillar of modern democracy It is no coincidence that the most effective and frequently recommended means for reversing the global decline in internet freedom are also potent safeguards for restoring confidence in the electoral information space. For example, internet regulations that mandate transparency around content moderation systems and provide platform data to vetted researchers can help equip voters with a more informed understanding of influence operations during balloting. Long-term support for civil society groups can empower them with the necessary resources to collaborate with election commissions to boost authoritative voting information and protect free expression. The best solutions also go beyond technology, calling for reinvestment in civic education, modernization of election rules, and accountability for powerful figures who engage in antidemocratic behavior. Ultimately, a healthy 21st-century democracy cannot function without a trustworthy online environment, in which freedom of expression and access to diverse information prevail. Defending these foundational rights allows people to safely and freely use the internet to engage in discussion, form civic movements, scrutinize government and company performance, and debate and build consensus around key social challenges. The protection of democracy writ large therefore requires a renewed and sustained commitment to upholding internet freedom around the world. #FreedomOnTheNet