NSEC 505 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY AI and National Security 2025.docx

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AI-Enabled Disinformation Campaigns: A National Security Threat

Jeremy Phillips

Helms School of Government, Liberty University

Abstract

AI-enabled disinformation campaigns pose an escalating threat to national security,

impacting democratic processes, social cohesion, and national interests. Fueled by increasingly

sophisticated AI models, these campaigns spread realistic and convincing false content at

unprecedented speed, making detection and mitigation exceptionally challenging. Examining

empower citizens to critically evaluate online information. However, the fight against AIenabled

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disinformation presents significant ethical considerations. The potential for bias in AI detection

tools, the risk of censorship, and the ethical implications of using AI to manipulate public

opinion demand careful navigation. The grounding of these efforts in a Christian worldview,

emphasizing the importance of truth, integrity, and the protection of vulnerable populations are

crucial when it comes time for application. By prioritizing ethical development and deployment

of AI technologies, promoting responsible media consumption, and fostering a commitment to

justice and the common good, we can effectively combat the threat of AI-enabled

disinformation and safeguard the foundations of our society. A coordinated and sustained effort

across all sectors is essential to address this rapidly evolving challenge and preserve the

integrity of our democratic institutions and social fabric.

synthesis, has drastically changed the landscape. These models are increasingly accessible to

both state and non-state actors, enabling the creation of realistic and convincing content (Hao,

2020). Detecting this AI-generated disinformation presents significant challenges due to the

increasing realism of the content, the speed of dissemination, and the difficulty in attributing

the source (Metaxa-Kakavouli & Kumar, 2022). From a Christian perspective, disinformation is

not a new phenomenon. Biblical examples such as the serpent deceiving Eve in Genesis 3 and

the lies told to Pilate to condemn Jesus highlight the use of deception for personal and political

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gain. These examples stand in stark contrast to the emphasis on truth and honesty found

throughout Scripture. The escalating sophistication and scale of AI-enabled disinformation

campaigns pose a significant and evolving threat to national security. These campaigns

undermine trust and potentially influence critical national decision-making processes

(O’Callaghan et al., 2021). The sheer speed and volume at which AI can generate and

disseminate false information far surpasses previous capabilities, demanding urgent attention

(Ferrara, 2020). Addressing this threat requires a multi-faceted approach involving technological

defenses, policy interventions, public awareness initiatives, and ethical considerations.

Grounding these efforts in a Christian worldview is essential. Therefore, the increasing

sophistication and scale of AI-enabled disinformation campaigns represent a significant and

defenses, policy interventions, public awareness initiatives, and ethical considerations grounded

in a Christian worldview that values truth, integrity, and the common good.

National Security Implications

of electoral outcomes. Misinformation can be rapidly spread through social media, tailored to

specific demographics with alarming precision, creating echo chambers of false narratives that

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reinforce existing biases and prejudices. Deepfakes, highly realistic synthetic videos and audio

recordings, can be used to discredit political opponents, portraying them making inflammatory

statements or engaging in unethical behavior, potentially swaying undecided voters or

discouraging supporters from turning out to vote (Lazer et al., 2018). Furthermore, social media

bots can be deployed to amplify partisan messages, creating an artificial sense of widespread

support for particular candidates or policies, effectively drowning out legitimate voices and

distorting public discourse (Ferrara, 2020). For example, a coordinated campaign disseminating

AI-generated news articles and social media posts falsely alleging widespread voter fraud,

potentially eroding public confidence in the electoral system and inciting civil unrest. From a

Christian perspective, the importance of honest and fair elections, reflecting a commitment to

disinformation, not only undermine the democratic process but also violate fundamental

principles of fairness and ethical conduct. Beyond elections, AI-enabled disinformation poses a

significant threat to social cohesion and trust in institutions. The relentless barrage of false

narratives and conspiracy theories can erode public trust in government, media, scientific

institutions, and other pillars of society. When citizens lose faith in the reliability of information

sources, they become more susceptible to manipulation and less likely to engage in constructive

dialogue and problem-solving (Tamborini et al., 2020). This erosion of trust can lead to

increased social fragmentation, polarization, and even violence. Moreover, disinformation

campaigns can be specifically targeted at vulnerable groups, such as minority communities or

marginalized populations, exploiting existing grievances and prejudices to sow discord and

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values. Disinformation, particularly that which targets vulnerable groups, directly contradicts

the call to love one’s neighbor and undermines the foundations of a just and compassionate

society.

Countermeasures and Mitigation Strategies

regulations on AI development and use, transparency requirements for social media platforms,

and funding for research on disinformation (O’Callaghan et al., 2021). Legislation requiring

social media companies to label AI-generated content and remove accounts spreading

disinformation is one potential measure. Public awareness initiatives are also crucial. Media

literacy programs, fact-checking organizations, and public education campaigns to help people

identify and resist disinformation are key elements of these initiatives (Lazer et al., 2018).

Creating educational resources that teach people how to critically evaluate online sources and

identify common disinformation tactics is essential. From a Christian perspective, equipping

citizens with the tools to discern truth from falsehood is vital. Promoting responsible media

consumption and critical thinking skills are essential for a healthy society.

The fight against AI-enabled disinformation is not simply a matter of technological

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but also a deep understanding of the potential unintended consequences and ethical dilemmas

that may arise. One of the most significant challenges is the ongoing arms race between AI-

enabled disinformation and detection technologies. As AI models become more sophisticated

and capable of generating increasingly realistic and convincing fake content, the task of

detecting and identifying disinformation becomes exponentially more difficult (Chen et al.,

2023). This creates a constant need to develop new and improved detection methods, leading

to a perpetual cycle of innovation and counter-innovation. The challenge lies in staying ahead of

malicious actors who are constantly adapting their techniques and exploiting new vulnerabilities

in existing detection systems. This requires significant investment in research and development,

as well as a collaborative effort between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to

significant ethical considerations that must be addressed. One of the most pressing concerns is

the potential for bias in AI-powered detection tools. AI algorithms are trained on data, and if

that data reflects existing biases or prejudices, the resulting detection tools may inadvertently

discriminate against certain groups or individuals. For example, an AI system trained to identify

hate speech may be more likely to flag content from certain ethnic or religious groups, even if

that content is not actually hateful. This can lead to censorship and the suppression of

legitimate voices and potentially intensifying existing social inequalities. Another critical ethical

consideration is the risk of censorship and the need to balance freedom of speech with the

need to combat disinformation. While it is essential to prevent the spread of harmful

disinformation, it is equally important to protect the right of individuals to express their

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to avoid creating a chilling effect on legitimate speech. Overly broad or aggressive censorship

measures could stifle unpopular opinions and ultimately undermine the very democratic values

that we are trying to protect. Additionally, there are ethical implications surrounding the use of

AI to manipulate public opinion, even for seemingly good causes. While it may be tempting to

use AI to counter disinformation by creating counter-narratives or nudging individuals towards

more accurate information, such tactics raise serious ethical questions about the legitimacy of

using AI to influence people's beliefs and behaviors. Even if the intention is to promote truth

and combat falsehood, the use of AI to manipulate public opinion can be seen as a form of

deception and can undermine trust in institutions and information sources. From a Christian

worldview, the ethical considerations surrounding AI-enabled disinformation are particularly

are used ethically and justly, is essential. Prioritizing human dignity and freedom of expression

while protecting the vulnerable from harm requires careful discernment and a commitment to

upholding moral principles. We must strive to develop and deploy AI technologies in a way that

reflects our values of truth, justice, and compassion, avoiding any actions that could undermine

human dignity or infringe upon fundamental rights.

responsibility to seek and uphold truth in all areas of life. Furthermore, disinformation often

targets vulnerable populations, exploiting their fears and prejudices (Marwick & Lewis, 2017).

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The Christian call to protect the vulnerable and defend the defenseless compels believers to

combat disinformation as an act of love and justice. Disinformation undermines social cohesion

and trust, hindering the pursuit of the common good. Christians have a responsibility to

promote peace, justice, and well-being in society. Developing and deploying AI technologies in a

way that aligns with Christian values and promotes the common good is essential. Navigating

the complex information landscape requires discernment and wisdom. Seeking God's guidance

in discerning truth from falsehood and equipping others with the tools to think critically and

resist disinformation are crucial aspects of this Christian response.

proactive policy interventions, robust public awareness initiatives, and a steadfast commitment

prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies for identifying,

tracking, and combating disinformation. This includes investing in cutting-edge technologies for

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detecting AIgenerated content, establishing clear protocols for responding to disinformation

campaigns, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Governments, at all

levels, must commit to investing in research and development of advanced AI-powered

detection tools and enacting policies that promote transparency and accountability in the digital

sphere. This could include legislation that holds social media platforms accountable for the

spread of disinformation, funding initiatives to support fact-checking organizations, and

establishing clear guidelines for the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies.

Crucially, this fight against disinformation is not merely a technological or political endeavor; it is

fundamentally a moral one. As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of truth in a world

increasingly saturated with falsehood. This means actively seeking out and sharing accurate

must leverage our influence within our communities, our churches, and our spheres of influence

to promote media literacy, critical thinking, and a commitment to ethical conduct in the digital

age. In essence, we are called to be a counter-narrative to the forces of deception, offering a

vision of truth, justice, and love that transcends the fleeting and often distorted realities of the

online world.