News
The apocalypse that wasn’t: AI was everywhere in 2024’s elections, but deepfakes and misinformation were only part of the picture
In 2024, AI significantly influenced elections globally, aiding communication and fundraising while generating concerns about misinformation, yet its harmful impact was less severe than anticipated.
Last Updated on December 18, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Bruce Schneier, Harvard Kennedy School and Nathan Sanders, Harvard University
It’s been the biggest year for elections in human history: 2024 is a “super-cycle” year in which 3.7 billion eligible voters in 72 countries had the chance to go the polls. These are also the first AI elections, where many feared that deepfakes and artificial intelligence-generated misinformation would overwhelm the democratic processes. As 2024 draws to a close, it’s instructive to take stock of how democracy did.
In a Pew survey of Americans from earlier this fall, nearly eight times as many respondents expected AI to be used for mostly bad purposes in the 2024 election as those who thought it would be used mostly for good. There are real concerns and risks in using AI in electoral politics, but it definitely has not been all bad.
The dreaded “death of truth” has not materialized – at least, not due to AI. And candidates are eagerly adopting AI in many places where it can be constructive, if used responsibly. But because this all happens inside a campaign, and largely in secret, the public often doesn’t see all the details.
Connecting with voters
One of the most impressive and beneficial uses of AI is language translation, and campaigns have started using it widely. Local governments in Japan and California and prominent politicians, including India Prime Minister Narenda Modi and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, used AI to translate meetings and speeches to their diverse constituents.
Even when politicians themselves aren’t speaking through AI, their constituents might be using it to listen to them. Google rolled out free translation services for an additional 110 languages this summer, available to billions of people in real time through their smartphones.
Other candidates used AI’s conversational capabilities to connect with voters. U.S. politicians Asa Hutchinson, Dean Phillips and Francis Suarez deployed chatbots of themselves in their presidential primary campaigns. The fringe candidate Jason Palmer beat Joe Biden in the American Samoan primary, at least partly thanks to using AI-generated emails, texts, audio and video. Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, used an AI clone of his voice to deliver speeches from prison.
Perhaps the most effective use of this technology was in Japan, where an obscure and independent Tokyo gubernatorial candidate, Takahiro Anno, used an AI avatar to respond to 8,600 questions from voters and managed to come in fifth among a highly competitive field of 56 candidates. https://www.youtube.com/embed/N9GaiEgWjlE?wmode=transparent&start=0 ‘AI Steve’ was an AI persona who ran for office in the 2024 U.K. election.
Nuts and bolts
AIs have been used in political fundraising as well. Companies like Quiller and Tech for Campaigns market AIs to help draft fundraising emails. Other AI systems help candidates target particular donors with personalized messages. It’s notoriously difficult to measure the impact of these kinds of tools, and political consultants are cagey about what really works, but there’s clearly interest in continuing to use these technologies in campaign fundraising.
Polling has been highly mathematical for decades, and pollsters are constantly incorporating new technologies into their processes. Techniques range from using AI to distill voter sentiment from social networking platforms – something known as “social listening” – to creating synthetic voters that can answer tens of thousands of questions. Whether these AI applications will result in more accurate polls and strategic insights for campaigns remains to be seen, but there is promising research motivated by the ever-increasing challenge of reaching real humans with surveys.
On the political organizing side, AI assistants are being used for such diverse purposes as helping craft political messages and strategy, generating ads, drafting speeches and helping coordinate canvassing and get-out-the-vote efforts. In Argentina in 2023, both major presidential candidates used AI to develop campaign posters, videos and other materials.
In 2024, similar capabilities were almost certainly used in a variety of elections around the world. In the U.S., for example, a Georgia politician used AI to produce blog posts, campaign images and podcasts. Even standard productivity software suites like those from Adobe, Microsoft and Google now integrate AI features that are unavoidable – and perhaps very useful to campaigns. Other AI systems help advise candidates looking to run for higher office.
Fakes and counterfakes
And there was AI-created misinformation and propaganda, even though it was not as catastrophic as feared. Days before a Slovakian election in 2023, fake audio discussing election manipulation went viral. This kind of thing happened many times in 2024, but it’s unclear if any of it had any real effect.
In the U.S. presidential election, there was a lot of press after a robocall of a fake Joe Biden voice told New Hampshire voters not to vote in the Democratic primary, but that didn’t appear to make much of a difference in that vote. Similarly, AI-generated images from hurricane disaster areas didn’t seem to have much effect, and neither did a stream of AI-faked celebrity endorsements or viral deepfake images and videos misrepresenting candidates’ actions and seemingly designed to prey on their political weaknesses. https://www.youtube.com/embed/qs05muNU5dg?wmode=transparent&start=0 Russian intelligence services aimed to use AI to influence U.S. voters, but it’s not clear whether they had much success.
AI also played a role in protecting the information ecosystem. OpenAI used its own AI models to disrupt an Iranian foreign influence operation aimed at sowing division before the U.S. presidential election. While anyone can use AI tools today to generate convincing fake audio, images and text, and that capability is here to stay, tech platforms also use AI to automatically moderate content like hate speech and extremism. This is a positive use case, making content moderation more efficient and sparing humans from having to review the worst offenses, but there’s room for it to become more effective, more transparent and more equitable.
There is potential for AI models to be much more scalable and adaptable to more languages and countries than organizations of human moderators. But the implementations to date on platforms like Meta demonstrate that a lot more work needs to be done to make these systems fair and effective.
One thing that didn’t matter much in 2024 was corporate AI developers’ prohibitions on using their tools for politics. Despite market leader OpenAI’s emphasis on banning political uses and its use of AI to automatically reject a quarter-million requests to generate images of political candidates, the company’s enforcement has been ineffective and actual use is widespread.
The genie is loose
All of these trends – both good and bad – are likely to continue. As AI gets more powerful and capable, it is likely to infiltrate every aspect of politics. This will happen whether the AI’s performance is superhuman or suboptimal, whether it makes mistakes or not, and whether the balance of its use is positive or negative. All it takes is for one party, one campaign, one outside group, or even an individual to see an advantage in automation.
Bruce Schneier, Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School and Nathan Sanders, Affiliate, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Early risers in Arizona are in for a celestial show.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North America — including Phoenixand the Valley. During this event, the Moon will pass completely into Earth’s shadow, turning a deep copper-red color often called a “Blood Moon.”
Here’s what you need to know.
🌍 What Is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. As the Moon moves into Earth’s darkest shadow (the umbra), it doesn’t disappear — instead, it glows red.
That reddish color comes from sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere — essentially, we’re seeing all the world’s sunrises and sunsets projected onto the Moon at once.
🕒 Phoenix Viewing Times (MST)
Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time in March, so these times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST).
- 1:44 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse begins (subtle dimming begins)
- 2:50 a.m. – Partial eclipse begins (Earth’s shadow becomes clearly visible)
- 4:04 a.m. – Totality begins 🌕
- 4:34 a.m. – Greatest eclipse
- 5:03 a.m. – Totality ends
- 6:18 a.m. – Partial eclipse ends
- 7:20 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse ends
The most dramatic portion — totality — lasts nearly one hour.
🌅 Where to Look in Phoenix
The eclipse happens in the pre-dawn hours, so the Moon will be low in the western sky as it sets.
For the best view:
- Find a location with a clear western horizon
- Avoid city light glare if possible
- Consider desert viewpoints, parks, or elevated areas around the Valley
Because the Moon will be setting as the Sun begins to rise, the backdrop of early morning twilight could make for stunning photography.
🔭 Do You Need Special Equipment?
No.
Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. However:
- Binoculars enhance color detail
- A small telescope reveals subtle shadow gradients
- A tripod and DSLR or smartphone with night mode can capture impressive images
🌎 Why This Eclipse Matters
This will be one of the most accessible celestial events of 2026 for Arizona residents. Total lunar eclipses don’t happen every year in the same location, and the timing — just before sunrise — adds dramatic visual contrast.
If skies are clear, Phoenix could have a spectacular view.
📌 Quick Viewing Reminder for Phoenix
Set your alarm for around 3:45 a.m.
Step outside by 4:00 a.m.
Look west
Watch the Moon turn red
No tickets. No crowds. Just the sky putting on a show.
For more science, space, and Arizona skywatching coverage, visit STM Daily News.
Related Coverage
- NASA: What Is a Lunar Eclipse?
- Time and Date: March 3, 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse Details
- Sky & Telescope: How to Watch the March 2026 Lunar Eclipse
- Space.com: Where and When to See the 2026 Blood Moon
- STM Daily News – Science & Space Coverage
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The Knowledge
Brightline West Nears Final Environmental Clearance Milestone
Brightline West’s final environmental assessment is 99% complete, clearing a major hurdle for the high-speed rail line connecting Southern California and Las Vegas.
Last Updated on March 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
The long-awaited high-speed rail connection between Southern California and Las Vegas just hit a major milestone.
According to recent reports, the final environmental assessment for Brightline West is now 99% complete — signaling that one of the most critical regulatory hurdles for the project is nearly finished.
For a project that has been discussed for over a decade, this is significant progress.
What “99% Complete” Really Means
Before major infrastructure projects like high-speed rail can move into full construction, they must go through extensive federal environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
For Brightline West, this includes:
- Environmental impact evaluations
- Wildlife and habitat assessments
- Air quality studies
- Noise and vibration analysis
- Cultural and tribal consultations
- Traffic and community impact reviews
Reaching 99% completion means the overwhelming majority of those studies, revisions, and agency approvals are essentially done. In practical terms, the project is nearly clear of its final federal environmental review requirements.
That’s a huge step toward full-scale construction.
The Route: Southern California to Las Vegas
Brightline West will run approximately 218 miles largely within the median of Interstate 15, connecting:
- Las Vegas
- Apple Valley
- Hesperia
- Rancho Cucamonga (with connections to Metrolink toward Los Angeles)
Trains are designed to reach speeds up to 200 mph, cutting travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas to roughly 2 hours.
Instead of battling I-15 weekend traffic, travelers could board a train in Rancho Cucamonga and arrive on the Las Vegas Strip in about the time it currently takes just to get through the Cajon Pass on a busy Friday.
Construction Status
The project officially broke ground in 2024, and early work has included:
- Geotechnical testing
- Land surveying
- Utility relocation
- Pre-construction corridor preparation
While heavy civil construction has not yet fully ramped up across the entire route, completing environmental clearance removes one of the last major barriers before large-scale building accelerates.
Timeline Update
The original goal was to open before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That timeline has shifted.
Current projections place passenger service around late 2029, depending on construction pace and financing milestones.
Why This Milestone Matters
High-speed rail projects in the United States often stall due to environmental review delays, funding gaps, or regulatory challenges.
Getting to 99% completion on final environmental assessment means:
- Federal review is nearly wrapped
- Legal vulnerability is reduced
- Major construction can proceed with more certainty
- Investor confidence improves
For Southern California and Nevada, it represents real forward momentum.
The Bigger Picture
Brightline West is privately developed, separate from California’s state high-speed rail system. If completed as planned, it would become one of the first true high-speed rail lines operating in the western United States.
The I-15 corridor between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is one of the most heavily traveled leisure routes in the country. A successful rail alternative could significantly reshape travel patterns between the two regions.
Final Take
The headline may sound small — “99% complete” — but in infrastructure terms, it’s a major breakthrough.
With environmental review nearly finished, Brightline West is closer than ever to turning renderings into reality.
Now the question shifts from if the train gets built… to how fast construction can move from here.
Further Reading & Outside Coverage
- Brightline West Official Project Website
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Las Vegas Review-Journal – Brightline West Coverage
- Los Angeles Times – Transportation & Infrastructure
- Progressive Railroading – Industry Updates
- Trains Magazine – Rail Industry News
- U.S. Department of Transportation
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Last Updated on February 28, 2026 by Daily News Staff
For decades, the idea of aliens visiting Earth has lived in a cultural no-man’s-land: too fascinating to ignore, too stigmatized to study seriously, and too easy to dismiss with a joke. But that posture has shifted in a measurable way over the past several years.
Physicist Kevin Knuth (University at Albany, SUNY) argued in a 2018 essay for The Conversation that the question of whether some UFO reports could represent something truly unknown is worthy of serious scientific study — not because we have proof of extraterrestrials, but because a small portion of cases appear to resist easy explanation and involve trained observers, multiple sensors, or unusual performance claims.
Article: https://theconversation.com/are-we-alone-the-question-is-worthy-of-serious-scientific-study-98843
That argument gained new oxygen in late 2017, when The New York Times reported that the U.S. Department of Defense had funded a program known as the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP). The reporting described roughly $22 million spent to examine military reports of unusual aerial incidents. Former Pentagon official Luis Elizondo became a central public figure in the story, saying he left his role amid frustration over secrecy and limited support for deeper investigation.
Around the same time, the Pentagon confirmed and released several now-famous military videos showing encounters recorded on forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems from Navy aircraft — clips that reignited public debate and pushed the topic out of late-night-TV territory and into mainstream news.
What we’ve learned since (2018–2026)
The biggest “update” since your original post isn’t a single smoking gun. It’s the fact that the U.S. government and scientific institutions have increasingly treated the issue as a data and airspace-safety problem—and, potentially, a national security one.
A few key developments:
- The language changed: “UFO” has increasingly been replaced by UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena), a term meant to reduce stigma and widen the scope beyond “flying saucers.”
- Regular reporting became normalized: The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has issued public-facing UAP reporting in recent years, and the Department of Defense has continued formal tracking through dedicated offices.
- NASA stepped in: NASA convened an independent UAP study team, releasing a final report in 2023 that emphasized something simple but important: if you want answers, you need better data, consistent reporting standards, and transparent methods. (NASA’s stance was not “aliens confirmed,” but “this is a legitimate area for structured inquiry.”)
The Carl Sagan test still applies
Carl Sagan’s line remains the guardrail here:
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
In other words: eyewitness testimony alone — even sincere testimony — isn’t enough. A personal story, a viral clip, or even a dramatic encounter doesn’t automatically equal proof of extraterrestrial visitation. If the claim is “non-human intelligence is visiting Earth,” the evidence has to be strong enough to survive serious scrutiny: repeatable analysis, multi-sensor confirmation, chain-of-custody, and independent review.
So where does that leave us?
If you strip away the hype, the most reasonable position in 2026 looks something like this:
- Something is being observed in a small percentage of cases that isn’t immediately identifiable.
- That does not automatically mean “aliens.”
- But it does mean the topic is no longer intellectually off-limits the way it once was.
After leaving AATIP-related work, Elizondo became associated with To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science, a group founded by musician Tom DeLonge that aimed to blend public interest, aerospace ideas, and advocacy for further investigation. Whether you view that effort as serious research, public outreach, or a media-adjacent project, it reflects the broader reality: the conversation has moved from fringe forums into public institutions.
The next step shouldn’t be louder claims. It should be better instrumentation, better reporting, and better science—because if there’s a prosaic explanation, rigorous study will reveal it. And if there’s something genuinely novel in the data, that’s exactly what science is for.
More STM Daily News science coverage: https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
Authors
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
