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In this article, we’ll look at the reasons behind a new bill introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) in response to AI-generated political ads and its implications for the upcoming 2024 election cycle.
Key Takeaways:
- Clarke’s bill aims to require disclosures of AI-generated content in political ads.
- The bill is a direct response to a phony AI-generated attack ad by the Republican National Committee (RNC).
- The upcoming 2024 election cycle will witness the use of AI-generated content in political ads for the first time in U.S. history.
- The bill, known as the REAL Political Advertisements Act, will apply to still-image and video ads.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has started warning companies against using biased AI.
The REAL Political Advertisements Act
The bill, known as the REAL Political Advertisements Act, aims to mandate the disclosure of AI-generated content in political ads. According to the proposed legislation, political ads featuring still-image or video content created using AI would require a message at the beginning or the end, clearly stating the use of AI-generated content.
Rep. Clarke’s bill is a direct response to the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) phony AI-generated attack ad, which was released shortly after President Joe Biden announced his 2024 reelection campaign. The video, which depicted a dystopian future under Biden’s second term, raised concerns about the use of AI-generated content to manipulate public opinion during election campaigns.
Impact on the 2024 Election Cycle
Political ads for the 2024 election cycle in the United States will be different from any previous elections as they will incorporate AI-generated content. This will be used by campaigns, parties, and Super PACs to reach voters. The introduction of the REAL Political Advertisements Act is an attempt to ensure transparency and prevent the manipulation of voters through AI-generated content.
If passed, the bill could have far-reaching effects on how political campaigns operate in the future. It could encourage the use of more reliable and authentic information in political ads, while also holding campaigns and parties accountable for the content they disseminate.
AI Regulation in the U.S. Congress
Regulating AI and machine learning technology has been a topic of debate among U.S. lawmakers for some time. The 2020 presidential election saw the circulation of a bogus video of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slurring her words, which went viral on social media platforms. This incident spurred congressional hearings and prompted major social media companies like Meta and TikTok to ban deepfakes. However, lawmakers have yet to approve any meaningful regulation in response to these concerns.
In an effort to address the issue, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has circulated a broad framework illustrating Democrats’ approach to AI regulation. This framework proposes new rules requiring AI developers to disclose their data sources, the individuals who trained the algorithms, the target audience, and an explanation of how the algorithm arrives at its responses.
Federal Agencies Respond to AI Concerns
When Congress doesn’t make new laws, federal agencies have taken on the responsibility to cover the missing parts. Last month, the Commerce Department requested public input on how the federal government should regulate AI algorithms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also started warning companies against using biased AI, arguing that it already possesses the authority to take action against possible discriminatory algorithms.
Even though people are trying hard, there’s still a lot of work left to control artificial intelligence-made material in political advertisements and other places where AI can be used to influence how the public thinks. Rep. Clarke’s REAL Political Advertisements Act is an important step toward increased transparency, but it remains to be seen whether the bill will gain the necessary support in Congress.
Conclusion
AI-generated content has the potential to significantly impact political campaigns and voter opinions. The REAL Political Advertisements Act, introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke, seeks to address this growing concern by requiring political ads to disclose the use of AI-generated content clearly. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, it is crucial for lawmakers to establish regulations that promote transparency and prevent the manipulation of voters through AI-generated content.
