Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak has proposed an unusual step, sparking public controversy.
Speaking in an interview with Channel 12 News, Barak proposed to combat the threat of AI during the final few days prior to Israel's October elections by limiting social media exposures during that time.
Under Barak's proposal, the State of Israel would directly approach social media companies and instruct them to block and shut down major channels and platforms during the 72 hours before polls open.
"There is one option - to approach these companies and demand, in the name of the State of Israel, that they shut down these channels during the final three days," Barak said.
Such a move would impose significant restrictions on public discourse precisely during the critical period in which voters are making their final decisions.
During the interview, Barak addressed technological challenges and concerns over the use of AI-generated deepfake videos shortly before voting begins.
Barak's critics responded by saying that measures involving the blocking of digital platforms, shutting down channels, and preventing citizens from sharing content are not accepted practices in democratic countries.