Most Brazilian voters disapprove of the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigns, according to a new national poll released Monday.
This sentiment comes as the country grapples with the ethical boundaries of digital campaigning. The results suggest a significant gap between the technological capabilities of political consultants and the acceptance levels of the general public.
The survey, conducted by the research firm Quaest, found that 73% [1] of voters reject the use of AI by candidates. The data reflects a growing concern over how synthetic media and automated tools might influence the democratic process, particularly regarding the authenticity of campaign messaging.
To reach these findings, Quaest interviewed a sample of 2,004 [2] people across Brazil. The national scope of the research indicates that this opposition is not limited to a specific region or demographic but is a widespread trend among the electorate.
The timing of the poll coincides with ongoing discussions within the Supremo Tribunal Federal, Brazil's highest court, regarding the regulation of these technologies. Legal experts and policymakers are currently debating how to balance free speech with the need to prevent the spread of misinformation generated by AI tools.
While candidates may see AI as a way to optimize outreach and content creation, the poll suggests such strategies could backfire. A large majority of the population views the integration of these tools in political contests with skepticism or outright disapproval.
“73% of voters reject the use of AI by candidates.”
The strong public opposition to AI in campaigns places significant pressure on both candidates and regulators in Brazil. If a vast majority of the electorate views AI as illegitimate or deceptive, candidates who rely heavily on synthetic content risk alienating voters. Furthermore, these results provide a social mandate for the Supremo Tribunal Federal to implement stricter regulations on the use of generative AI in elections to maintain public trust in the electoral system.
