Facebook and Instagram to Require Disclosure of AI-Generated Ads from 2024

Advertisers on Instagram and Facebook will soon be required to disclose when they use artificial intelligence (AI) or other digital techniques to create or alter political advertisements. Meta, the parent company of the social media platforms, is revising its rules to cover images and videos generated by AI. This decision comes ahead of the upcoming presidential election and aims to address concerns about the potential spread of fake content, such as manipulated videos or AI-generated imagery of candidates. The new policy will be implemented in 2024. Meta’s announcement also emphasizes the need for disclosure when ads contain photorealistic images or videos, realistic audio, or depict events that did not happen. The company’s goal is to prevent the dissemination of misleading content during an election year, as AI can produce convincing imitations that might confuse and mislead the public. Despite criticism in the past for allowing digitally altered videos to circulate on its platforms, Meta is now taking steps to combat this issue and promote transparency. The company’s existing policies already include an authorization process and the requirement for a paid for by disclaimer. Additionally, Meta will uphold its practice of blocking new political, electoral, or social issue ads during election week to prevent the rapid spread of potentially unverified claims. However, previously aired ads can still run during this period. By updating its ad rules and increasing disclosure requirements, Meta aims to create a safer and more trustworthy environment for political advertising on Instagram and Facebook.