Politicians are finding innovative ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) to educate, inform, and entertain voters. Meanwhile, governments are working to catch up on regulations on the use of AI and social media.

The year 2024 was dubbed by the UN as “super year for elections” as 72 countries, including 20 Asian countries, went to the polls. Additional elections were held in 2025 and more will be held in 2026.

Leading academics from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand shared their analysis on the use of AI and social media during the recent online roundtable discussion on artificial intelligence, social media, and elections in Asia.  

The forum was organized by the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (Amic) and the Faculty of Communication Arts of Bangkok-based Chulalongkorn University, in partnership with Unesco and the Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel).

According to Dr. Wijayanto of the Universitas Diponegoro in Indonesia, AI and social media are being used to “build new image.” He recalled how a leading candidate used AI to rebrand himself as as gemoy or cute grandpa. 

To Wijayanto, messages do not always have substance but candidates and political parties “rely on entertainment.” He recalled how some candidates use AI “to dance themselves to victory.” 

Wijayanto also decried the use of fake social media accounts to spread hate speech, and the use of cyber troops. 

Dean Muneo Kaigo of the University of Tsukuba noted that candidates hire public relations (PR) companies and social media influencers “to have genuine connection” with the public. 

Kaigo acknowledged that new digital technologies can help ensure free elections. However, he warned that AI and social media platforms are also being used as platforms for misinformation, polarization, and creation of filter bubbles. 

Riddled with fake

For University of the Philippines journalism professor Dr. Danilo A. Arao, digital tools are being used by the “rich and powerful” to maximize their “foothold on power.”  Arao said that social media is riddled with disinformation, lies, and conspiracy theories and used in red tagging. 

John Reiner Antiquerra of Anfrel reported the use of false narratives particularly pseudo web pages of political parties. A related concern was the use of AI-generated homophobic campaign messages directed at minorities in Sri Lanka. 

For Chulalongkorn University professor emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramasoota, “turbulence” describes the Thai political setting. According to the Thai academic, social media algorithms, AI analytics, and digital “fandoms” became the decisive factors in determining electoral outcomes. Ramasoota also noted the emergence of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) political campaigning.  

Dr. S M Shameem Reza of the University of Dhaka warned that the use of AI can exacerbate “information asymmetry” where AI can widen the gap between those who have access to accurate and timely information and those who do not. 

Balancing act

Crafting policies on digital technologies can be challenging for several reasons. First, policymakers will always be engaged in catching up with new technologies. Second, policymakers are not familiar with the new media ecosystem. Third, policies can be used to facilitate the enjoyment of media freedoms and rights but can also be used to  restrict the same rights and freedoms.

According to Kaigo, “there are strict regulations but light enforcement.” The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications oversees elections. He said that the Public Offices Election Law is under revision. 

The Japan Platform Distribution Act aims to address issues related to defamation, infringement of rights, and dissemination of harmful information online. Social Media Regulation requires platforms to take swift action against illegal or harmful content and improve transparency in content removal.

In the Philippines, the Commission on Election (COMELEC) issued Resolution 11064 entitled, “Guidelines on the Use of Social Media Artificial Intelligence, and Internet Technology for Digital Election Campaign, and the Prohibition and Punishment of Its Misuse for Disinformation and Misinformation In Connection with the 2025 National and Local Elections and the BARMM Parliamentary Elections.”

According to Wijayanto, there was no law on the use of AI during the June 2025 election in Indonesia, but new guidelines on the use of AI will be implemented in the 2029 election.

In Thailand, there is no existing specific regulation by the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to govern the use of AI and social media beyond labelling posts to show accountability.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh is responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates. Disseminating hate speech, personal attacks, and provocative language are prohibited.

Ramasoota raised an important issue: “More regulations may mean more government involvement. Are we ready for this set-up?” According to her, “good regulations come from public participation” and that “regulation need not be top-down especially regulations on AI.” 

For Professor Arao, self-regulation should be the preferred mechanism as government regulation may lead to “control of media system to fit official narratives.” 

Policy options and action agenda

Among the common recommendations made were voluntary labelling of AI materials; prohibiting the use of  deepfakes; saying no to all forms of disinformation and hate speech; strengthening of independent factchecking; and more robust media and information literacy. 

Reza’s recommendations include: 

• conducting independent fact-checking; 
• leveraging AI in fact-checking; 
• advocating media and information literacy; and 
• pushing for more active participation of media, election groups, and CSOs. 

For Arao, reforming the Philippines’ electoral system requires enactments of Anti-Political Dynasty Law, Party-list Reform Law, and support for a more vibrant media.

Anfrel calls on Asian governments to adopt an open data regime and the passage of Freedom of Information Law. 

It is important to emphasize an important lesson from the forum. Free and fair elections is endangered by disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech. It is imperative to make sure that truth always wins. – Rappler.com

Ramon Tuazon is secretary-general of the Asian Media Information and Communications Centre, Inc.