An AI early warning system to monitor online disinformation, stop violence, andprotect elections

Michael G Yankoski, Walter Scheirer

Abstract: We’re developing an AI early warning system to monitor how manipulated content online such asaltered photos in memes leads, in some cases, to violent conflict and societal instability. It can alsopotentially interfere with democratic elections. Look no further than the 2019 Indonesian electionto learn how online disinformation can have an unfortunate impact on the real world. Our systemmay prove useful to journalists, peacekeepers, election monitors, and others who need to under-stand how manipulated content is spreading online during elections and in other contexts