FEC Urged to Regulate AI in Campaign Ads to Prevent Voter Deception in 2024 Election
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is being called upon to establish regulations that will prevent political campaigns from utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to create deceptive ads aimed at misleading voters in the upcoming 2024 election. Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, has emphasized the need for the FEC to examine the use of manipulated media by campaigns and consider how to regulate it. Farid notes that altering the photographic record is only the beginning of spreading falsehoods.
It has come to light that presidential campaigns have already started employing AI to deceptively manipulate their campaign ads. For instance, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign utilized AI-generated audio and video to criticize former President Trump’s policies, including an ad portraying Trump affectionately hugging Anthony Fauci. This raises concerns about the ethical standards to which our political leaders should be held. Farid argues that it is reasonable to expect honesty and truthfulness from politicians.
Furthermore, a political action committee supporting DeSantis released an ad using AI-generated audio imitating Trump’s voice to criticize Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. The AI-generated voice appeared based on comments Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, but never spoke aloud. Moreover, a video distributed by Trump’s campaign featured AI recreating DeSantis’ 2024 presidential announcement on Twitter. This parody video included fictional guests such as George Soros, Klaus Schwab, and even Adolph Hitler.
The increasing use of generative AI audio, images, and videos in disinformation campaigns has raised concerns about the credibility and authenticity of the information we receive from political leaders, CEOs, and reporters. This technology opens the door to potential deepfakes and impersonation, creating doubt in the minds of the public.
In response to these developments, the FEC is considering a petition filed by nonprofit Public Citizen, urging the inclusion of AI-generated content in its ban against deceptive campaign ads. After the public comment period ends on October 16, the FEC will evaluate further action. Lawmakers have also expressed concerns about the influence of AI on elections, particularly the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
To address this issue, the AI Accountability Act is making its way through the House. If passed into law, the bill would require the Commerce Department to collaborate with industry stakeholders and produce a report within 18 months regarding threats posed by AI systems.
The increasing reliance on generative AI, combined with the rapid distribution and amplification of social media, poses a genuine threat to an already compromised information ecosystem riddled with half-truths, lies, and conspiracies. It is vital for regulators to stay on top of technological advancements and establish guidelines to ensure transparency, accountability, and truthfulness in political campaigns.
As the 2024 election approaches, it is crucial for the FEC to take proactive measures to regulate AI use in campaign ads and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. By doing so, we can protect voters from deception and promote a fair and honest political landscape.
