![AI, deepfakes, social media influencers - India’s mammoth election sees it all](https://gdb.voanews.com/AEE2B8EF-986F-4FA2-8BE4-2DE43895D007.jpg)
AI, deepfakes, social media influencers - India’s mammoth election sees it all
Voice of America
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) greets supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during his election campaign rally in Prayagraj, northern India, on May 21, 2024. People queue up to vote outside a polling booth during the fifth round of multi-phase national election in Howrah, India, May 20, 2024. Supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wear party headwear and cut out masks India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election campaign rally attended by Modi in Prayagraj on May 21, 2024.
From deep fake videos created by artificial intelligence to social media influencers who hold sway with young people, political parties in India are using all the tools of the digital age to expand their outreach to voters as the country holds its mammoth general election.
![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20240614163009.jpg)
President of the African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in as member of parliament during the first sitting of the New South African Parliament in Cape Town, June 14, 2024. John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, addresses the media after signing a governing agreement with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) during the first sitting of the New South African Parliament in Cape Town, June 14, 2024.
![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20240614153344.jpg)
A sign is displayed in front of the Burgenstock Resort ahead of the Ukraine Peace Summit near Lucerne, Switzerland, June 14, 2024. FILE - U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Dec. 21, 2022. Zelenskyy has expressed disappointment that Biden will not be attending the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland June 15-16, 2024.
![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20240614131633.jpg)
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meet for bilateral talks at the G7, Friday, June 14, 2024, in Borgo Egnazia, near Bari, southern Italy. U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leave after they signed a bilateral security agreement during the sidelines of the G7 summit at Savelletri, Italy, June 13, 2024.
![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20240614100348.jpg)
FILE - In this photo provided by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, police walk in an office they raided in Las Pinas, Philippines, June 27, 2023. Gangs have forced thousands in Southeast Asia into participating in online scams. FILE - The likeness of Benjamin Franklin is seen on US $100 bills, July 14, 2022, in Marple Township, Pa. FILE - This May 18, 2021, photo shows a woman typing on a laptop in New Jersey.
![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20240614100344.jpg)
World Food Program officials look at fruit and vegetables in Zimbabwe's Chinhoyi district on June 12, 2024. Zimbabweans are trying to raise funds for survival as the country deals with an El Nino-induced drought. (Columbus Mavhunga/VOA) Plaxedes Madzikatire of the Chinhoyi district in Zimbabwe is one of the millions struggling to cope with the drought in southern Africa. (Columbus Mavhunga/VOA) Cindy McCain of the World Food Program described the El Nino-induced drought affecting southern African as a disaster. (Screenshot from Skype video by Columbus Mavhunga)
![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20240614055607.jpg)
Pilgrims leave after offering prayers outside at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 14, 2024. A woman holds an umbrella to protect herself from the sun as she leaves after offering prayers outside at the Grand Mosque, during during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 13, 2024.