On August 24, 2026, Hamid Bihkak reported on the significant steps being taken in Morocco to establish a comprehensive legislative and institutional framework surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications, particularly in the context of elections. As the nation prepares for the upcoming 2026 elections, relevant institutions are implementing guidelines to regulate the use of AI within electoral campaigns. This initiative is highlighted in the "Guide from the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication" aimed at understanding the plurality of political expression in radio and television.
The guide specifically addresses the issue of misinformation and AI, stating that radio and television stations are prohibited from broadcasting any election-related content that is either complex or generated by AI if it has the potential to mislead the public. It further clarifies that such AI-generated content can only be aired for informational, interpretative, or verification purposes, provided there is a clear indication of its artificial or composite nature.
Globally, elections have witnessed various forms of digital crimes and interventions, with tactics ranging from electronic hacking to misinformation campaigns using AI, exploitation of personal data, and cyberattacks aimed at political figures and parties. For instance, in the 2026 French municipal elections, the party "La France Insoumise" (LFI) and its candidates were targeted by a coordinated digital smear campaign, which involved creating fake news websites, disseminating false accusations, and utilizing digital advertisements that were propagated by networks of fake accounts. Investigations revealed the involvement of entities based in Israel, including the cyber influence company BlackCore, leading to serious allegations of interference.
Similarly, the 2016 United States presidential election has become a landmark case in the study of cybersecurity in electoral processes. This election, which pitted Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump, saw extensive allegations of Russian interference, including hacking into the Democratic Party’s emails and leaking sensitive documents, alongside a widespread misinformation campaign on social media through fake accounts and bots targeting voters with personalized political advertisements. This event has set a global precedent in understanding the vulnerabilities of electoral systems in the digital age.
These instances illustrate that threats to electoral integrity are no longer confined to traditional forms of ballot tampering; rather, they have evolved into manipulating the informational environment in which voters make their decisions. Consequently, Morocco's legislative measures that criminalize electoral crimes via social media and digital platforms, including the use of AI, align with international trends aimed at safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes in the digital realm. However, comparative experiences reveal that criminal penalties alone are insufficient. A multifaceted approach is necessary, incorporating cybersecurity measures, transparency in political advertisements, protection of personal data, collaboration with digital platforms and influencers, and digital literacy campaigns for voters.
In conclusion, Article 51 of the Moroccan penal code signifies a pivotal shift from addressing traditional electoral crimes to tackling digital electoral offenses, thereby establishing a framework for protecting democratic processes in the digital age. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on enhancing the technical expertise of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, fostering collaboration with digital platforms, and developing more detailed regulations regarding digital evidence and AI. This balance is crucial to combat electoral misinformation while safeguarding freedom of expression. The concept of electoral security has transformed from merely protecting the ballot box to safeguarding the digital space where voter will is formed, making cybersecurity in elections a new domain that intertwines constitutional law, electoral law, criminal law, and AI. This emerging field is poised to become a significant area of research and legislation in the coming years.
As reported by pjd.ma.
