AI's anticipated major impact on the 2024 election did not materialise. Instead of influencing voting, it primarily undermined trust in truth.

**For media and tech companies:** You must bolster your fact-checking and content verification processes. AI's role in eroding trust means you'll need to invest heavily in transparency and credibility-building measures. Consider developing AI-powered truth-verification tools to combat misinformation. **For all businesses:** The undermined trust in truth will affect your marketing and communication strategies. You'll need to work harder to establish credibility with your audience. Consider implementing blockchain or other tamper-proof technologies to verify the authenticity of your messages and data. The lack of AI's direct influence on voting behavior suggests that your AI investments for political campaigns or public opinion manipulation may not yield the expected returns. Reallocate these resources to building trust and improving customer experiences instead.

Expect a surge in demand for AI-powered fact-checking and truth-verification technologies. You'll see opportunities in developing and marketing these tools. Anticipate stricter regulations around AI use in public communication and marketing. Start preparing your compliance strategies now. The trust deficit will likely extend beyond politics, affecting brand loyalty and customer relationships. You'll need to prioritize transparency and authenticity in all your business operations. Look for AI applications that enhance trust rather than manipulate opinions. For example, AI-driven customer service that provides consistent, accurate information could become a competitive advantage. Expect a shift in AI development focus from influence to verification and transparency. Consider how this might affect your AI strategy and investments.