IEC flags generative AI and hyper-local disinformation as risk ahead of local elections

IEC flags generative AI and hyper-local disinformation as risk ahead of local elections

As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its use in hyper-local disinformation campaigns has emerged as a key concern for the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya warned that the 2026 polls are likely to see a shift from broad…