South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday called fake news and disinformation based on AI and digital technology threats to democracy, as some officials attending a global summit accused Russia and China of conducting malicious propaganda campaigns.

Speaking at the opening of the Summit for Democracy being held in Seoul, Yoon said countries had a duty to share experiences and wisdom so that artificial intelligence and technology could be employed to promote democracy.

“Fake news and disinformation based on artificial intelligence and digital technology not only violate individual freedom and human rights but also threaten democratic systems,” Yoon said.

South Korea is hosting the third Summit for Democracy conference, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden aimed at discussing ways to stop democratic backsliding and erosion of rights and freedoms.

Digital threats to democracy, and how technology can promote democracy and universal human rights, are expected to be the main agenda of the 3-day meetings attended by representatives from more than 30 countries, ranging from Costa Rica to the United States and Ghana.

Blinken later said 2024 was an “extraordinary election year” to highlight the risks of disinformation and falsehoods in cyberspace. He also repeated Washington’s accusations that Russia and China are behind global campaigns aimed at manipulating information.