The Federal government is facing a race against time to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the campaign trail before the 2024 election. However, a turf war between federal agencies is jeopardizing attempts to set new rules for AI tools. The chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed last month that politicians should disclose their use of AI in TV and radio ads. However, this plan is facing unexpected opposition from a top official on the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which is also considering its own rules on AI use by campaigns. This dispute, along with inaction from the FEC and Congress, could leave voters with limited federal protections against AI being used to mislead the public or mask political messages during the election season.
Concerns over the impact of AI on elections are widespread. While more than a dozen states have enacted laws regulating AI use in campaigns, Congress has yet to take action. The executive director of the Campaign Legal Center, Adav Noti, believes that the chances of having federal restrictions on AI use in place before the November presidential election are extremely low. AI deepfakes have already targeted officials and politicians, such as a Democratic operative being indicted for an AI-generated robocall impersonating President Biden, while the FCC has banned AI-generated voice imitations in robocalls. The potential for major AI problems during the campaign could pose challenges for the Biden administration, which has made AI regulation a policy priority.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s proposal to require AI disclosures in political ads is facing opposition from Republicans, including FEC Chairman Sean Cooksey. Cooksey argues that the proposal would encroach on the FEC’s role as the top enforcer of federal campaign law and could lead to legal challenges. Republicans in Congress and at the FCC also question the agency’s authority to regulate political campaigns or AI, and they argue that the addition of AI disclosures in some places but not others would confuse consumers. However, Rosenworcel defends the proposal, stating that the FCC has long required sponsors to be disclosed in campaign ads and that adapting these rules to AI use is necessary to protect the public from misleading content.
The lack of specific legislation outlining how AI should be regulated leaves federal agencies vulnerable to legal challenges. Noti believes that any agency’s actions without clear rules from Congress will likely be challenged in court. The FEC is considering its own ban on candidates using AI to deliberately misrepresent opponents in political ads, but officials from both parties express doubts about the agency’s ability to address the issue and call on Congress to establish new rules. Senators have proposed legislation that would require AI-generated political ads to include disclaimers, but the time for Congress to act before Election Day is running out. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is leading the legislative effort, emphasizes the urgency of implementing comprehensive guardrails to address the threats posed by AI in campaigns and elections.
Headline: Federal Agency Dispute Threatens Regulation of AI Use on the Campaign Trail
Subheadings:
1. FCC and FEC Clash Over AI Use in Political Ads
2. Limited Federal Protections Leave Voters Vulnerable to Misleading AI Tactics
3. Concerns Over AI Deepfakes Targeting Officials and Candidates
4. Biden Administration Pursues Rapid Action on AI, Adding Pressure to Address the Issue
5. Republicans Oppose FCC Proposal, Citing Potential Confusion and Legal Challenges
6. Lack of Federal Legislation Leaves Agencies Susceptible to Court Battles
7. FEC’s Ability to Step In Questioned, Calls for Congressional Action Grow
Questions and Answers:
1. What is the main obstacle to regulating AI use on the campaign trail?
– The main obstacle is a turf war between federal agencies, specifically the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which is threatening efforts to establish new rules for AI tools.
2. What are the potential consequences of limited federal protections against AI in campaigns?
– Limited federal protections could leave voters vulnerable to misleading AI tactics and the manipulation of political messages during the election period.
3. What concerns arise from AI deepfakes targeting officials and politicians?
– One concern is the potential for deepfakes to impersonate individuals and disseminate false information, as demonstrated by the indictment of a Democratic operative who used an AI-generated robocall impersonating President Biden.
4. Why could major AI problems during the campaign pose challenges for the Biden administration?
– The Biden administration has made AI regulation a policy priority, therefore any major AI problems during the campaign could undermine their efforts and raise questions about their ability to effectively address the issue.
5. What is the call to action from officials regarding AI regulation in campaigns?
– Officials are calling for the establishment of comprehensive guardrails to address the threats posed by AI in campaigns and elections. They urge Congress to take action and set clear rules for AI use in political ads.
