The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has decided to consider a rule clarification regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns. This comes after the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen submitted a petition on the matter, which was initially blocked in a deadlocked vote in June but was now approved unanimously during a Thursday meeting.
It is important to note that the vote does not signify an immediate rule change, but rather allows for the process to move forward and gather public input on the subject. Democratic Commissioner Ellen Weintraub emphasized the timeliness and significance of the topic, acknowledging that while the FEC may not be able to address all concerns related to AI, it can potentially address some of them through this petition.
Republican Commissioner Allen Dickerson, despite voting in favor of advancing the proposal, expressed reservations regarding the FEC’s authority to regulate AI usage in campaigns. He dismissed the “buzzwords” of generative AI and deepfakes mentioned in the petition, questioning their relevance to the FEC’s role in combating campaign fraud.
The petition itself seeks clarification that the FEC’s prohibition of “fraudulent misrepresentation” extends to deceptive AI campaign communications. Generative AI tools, which have gained prominence in recent years, have already been employed in campaign content during the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
Public Citizen’s Executive Vice President, Lisa Gilbert, believes that the FEC’s decision to advance the petition sets a timeline that could result in a rule change before the next election. Gilbert highlights the urgency of addressing the issue, stating that without regulatory guidance, the prevalence of AI in campaigns will lead to an escalation of disinformation and deceit through deepfakes.
Alongside the FEC, Gilbert also hopes that Congress will take action on this matter. Some Democrats, including Representative Adam Schiff and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Ben Ray Luján, have expressed support for regulating AI in campaigns.
In conclusion, the FEC’s consideration of a rule clarification regarding AI usage in political campaigns marks a significant step towards addressing the potential risks and implications associated with this technology. This move has garnered support from both sides of the aisle and could lead to a rule change before the 2024 election. It is crucial to establish guidelines to prevent the proliferation of deceptive AI campaign communications and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
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