Artificial Intelligence, short for AI, is the hallmark of the modern era. Basically, AI refers to the imitation and replication of human patterns of intelligence. Despite being around for some time now, this technology remains relatively mysterious for a lot of people. From their choice of food to their music taste to their political affiliations, the individual and collective human intelligence have become quite decipherable for modern science. You can basically depict, mimic, predict, and control human behavior.

This article explores the challenges and opportunities presented by advances in artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of information operations. The article first examines the ways in which AI can be used to counter disinformation online. It then dives into some of the limitations of AI solutions and threats associated with AI techniques, namely user profiling, micro-targeting, and deep fakes. Finally, the paper reviews a number of solutions that could help address the spread of AI-powered disinformation and improve the online environment. The article recognises that in the fight against disinformation, there is no single fix.

An array of experts has contributed deep insight into how artificial intelligence is impacting on the way information is being produced, disseminated and consumed, thus reshaping the communications landscape. They joined a panel on 5 March, in the framework of Mobile Learning Week at UNESCO HQ in Paris, for a dedicated workshop on the subject. Guy Berger, Director for Freedom of Expression and Media Development at UNESCO, opened the discussion by describing the problem of disinformation by drawing on definitions of the Council of Europe and the European Union. This perspective sees disinformation as content that is deliberately and intentionally fabricated, not true nor verifiable, and which is produced with the intention of making a profit, and/or pushing a certain ideological or political agenda. Through social media algorithms, micro-targeting and persuasion, the dissemination of'deep fakes', AI-generated content and automated trolling, artificial intelligence evidently plays a crucial role in the rapid spread of disinformation.