Florida legislators are expressing concerns about the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns as the upcoming November election approaches. The potential impact of misleading advertisements on election outcomes is a major worry, compounded by the challenge of distinguishing between authentic and deceptive content.
Recently, a telemarketing message was altered in accordance with President Joe Biden’s strategy, suggesting that voting on Tuesday would favor the re-election of Donald Trump, a claim refuted by Biden’s campaign manager as fabricated. The modified message, featuring President Biden’s voice, aimed to sway primary voters in New Hampshire against the incumbent president.
As the campaign season intensifies, apprehensions surrounding the use of AI continue to escalate. Adam Goodman, a prominent national advertising strategist, voiced his concerns about the implications of AI in political advertising. Despite his extensive experience in producing social ads for GOP figures, including Jeb Bush, Pam Bondi, and various congressional leaders, Goodman emphasized the risks of veering away from reality and truth in political messaging, citing instances involving Governor DeSantis and former President Trump’s teams.
The growing distrust in the political process prompted Tallahassee lawmakers to address the issue. Proposed measures include introducing disclaimers in AI-generated political ads, establishing a committee to investigate AI’s role in governance, and facilitating legal recourse for AI-related offenses, as advocated by State Rep. Alex Andrade.
Joshua Scacco, a University of South Florida professor, cautioned that regulatory efforts may struggle to keep pace with evolving AI technologies. He highlighted the longstanding use of manipulation techniques in various industries, underscoring the challenges in effectively implementing disclaimers to counter deceptive practices.
Despite these initiatives, experts like Goodman and Scacco question the efficacy of disclaimers in mitigating the impact of AI-generated content on public perception. The potential for misinformation to go unnoticed or misunderstood raises doubts about the practicality and effectiveness of disclosure requirements in combating AI-related deception within political discourse.
