AI-Generated Disinformation Used in 2025 Cameroon Presidential Election

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During the 2025 presidential election in Cameroon, political parties, including the opposition Social Democratic Front, used AI-generated images to fabricate large crowds at campaign events. These manipulated visuals were widely shared on social media, misleading voters and undermining trust in the electoral process.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

The event involves the use of AI systems (generative AI) to create manipulated images that are disseminated to influence an election, which is a clear violation of rights and causes harm to communities by spreading disinformation. The harm is realized and ongoing, not merely potential. The article details specific examples of AI-generated images used by political parties, the public reaction, and the impact on political trust, fulfilling the criteria for an AI Incident. The involvement of AI is explicit and central to the harm described.[AI generated]
AI principles
AccountabilityTransparency & explainabilityDemocracy & human autonomyRespect of human rights
Industries
Media, social platforms, and marketingGovernment, security, and defence
Affected stakeholders
General public
Harm types
Public interest
Severity
AI incident
AI system task:
Content generation

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