Division among US election regulators regarding AI transparency requirements for political promotions
The Federal Election Commission’s two principal officials hold contrasting views regarding the necessity to reveal whether broadcast radio and television political ads are created using artificial intelligence (AI).
The proposal by FEC vice chair Ellen Weintraub to back a plan by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel from May, which aims to push forward a suggested regulation mandating the disclosure of AI-generated content in both campaign and topic promos, received support.
FEC chair Sean Cooksey, on the other hand, critiqued the initiative.
The suggestion does not bar the use of AI-generated content in political promotions.
In Washington, there is a growing worry that AI-produced content could deceive voters during the upcoming presidential and congressional elections in November.
The FCC highlighted AI’s likely significant role in the political ads of 2024.
Rosenworcel specifically mentioned the risk of misleading “deepfakes” or “modified pictures, videos, or audio recordings portraying individuals as doing or saying things they never did or said.”
“The core issue revolves around transparency,” emphasized Rosenworcel on Thursday, mentioning that the FCC has required disclosure since the 1930s and holds substantial legal power. “We have a long history of executing this.”
Weintraub conveyed in a letter to Rosenworcel that the “public would gain from increased openness regarding the usage of AI-generated content in political promotions.”
She remarked that regulatory endeavors from both the FEC and FCC would be advantageous. “The time for action is now,” declared Weintraub.
Conversely, Cooksey contended that compulsory disclosures would “directly clash with existing laws and rules, causing confusion among political campaigns in the forthcoming election.”
The regulation would mandate disclosures on-air and in writing, encompassing cable providers, satellite television, and radio carriers.
The FCC lacks the jurisdiction to oversee internet or social media ads or streaming facilities. Nonetheless, the agency has commenced actions to combat the deceptive utilization of AI in political automated calls.
Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr censured the notion, positing that the “FCC’s involvement can only create ambiguity. Political promotions promoted by AI on broadcast television will include a government-required disclaimer, but identical or akin promotions on streaming services or social media platforms will not?”
Concerns around AI content in elections came into the spotlight in January after a counterfeit robocall mimicking President Joe Biden attempted to discourage individuals from voting for him in New Hampshire’s Democratic primary, leading the state to press charges against a Democratic political advisor responsible for the calls.
About Author
