Politicians are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for their political advantage, sometimes resorting to deceptive tactics due to the technology’s advancements.
During the recent Florida Governor race, Ron DeSantis faced backlash from fellow Republicans for sharing AI-generated deepfake videos featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci and former President Donald Trump endorsing him.
Reports indicate that deepfake technology is also being utilized in state elections in Pennsylvania, as highlighted by a nonpartisan organization.
A proposed legislation spearheaded by Rep. Tarik Khan from Philadelphia aims to penalize candidates, campaigns, and Super PACs that employ sophisticated deceptive technologies to manipulate public perception of their opponents. The specifics of the fines are yet to be finalized, according to Khan.
The primary objective of this bill, as stated by Khan, is to establish a framework to safeguard the integrity and security of electoral processes.
Co-sponsor Rep. Rob Mercuri from Allegheny echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing voters with accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions.
Mercuri emphasized, “I aim to ensure a transparent and secure electoral system that equips citizens with trustworthy information for their voting choices.”
If enacted, Pennsylvania would join a limited number of states with regulations prohibiting the dissemination of fake AI-generated election content.
Khan raised concerns about the potential for AI advancements to deceive individuals with false information, emphasizing the need for legislative intervention to prevent such manipulation.
However, the proposed legislation would specifically target political campaigns, candidates, and Super PACs, exempting popular satirical content and entertainment programs from its scope.
Mercuri clarified, “Our intention is not to impede individuals’ freedom of expression.”
Contrary to legislative efforts, the Institute for Free Speech argues that governmental restrictions on misleading content could have more detrimental effects on political discourse than the content itself, advocating for voters’ critical thinking and discernment.
As the Federal Election Commission contemplates regulating AI deepfakes in campaign advertisements, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook’s parent company) have established guidelines for their usage.
Media director Manuel Bonder hinted at ongoing reviews of the policy within the Shapiro administration as it progresses through the legislative channels.
