Google will mandate disclosures for AI-generated election ads.

Google to Require Disclosure of AI-Generated Images in Election ‍Ads

Google is‌ taking steps to⁤ regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ​election advertisements⁤ ahead of the 2024 elections. Advertisers will now ‌be required to disclose if their ads include AI-generated images, according to a policy update set to be implemented in mid-November.

The‌ search engine giant will mandate that⁤ election-focused ads explicitly state whether they contain AI-generated imagery. For ‌instance, ads featuring AI images must include ⁤visible statements such as “This audio was​ computer-generated” or “This image does not ​reflect ⁣real events,” as reported‌ by ⁤Bloomberg.

Supporting Responsible Political Advertising

Google spokesperson Michael Aciman stated that this policy update “will help further ⁤support ‍responsible political advertising and provide voters with‌ the information they ​need to make informed decisions.”

However, the policy does not extend to videos uploaded to YouTube that are not paid ⁢advertising, even ⁤if they are uploaded by political campaigns. Google clarified that YouTube’s community guidelines, ⁣which prohibit digitally manipulated content‌ that⁢ could cause public ⁤harm, ⁤would remove any content posted to the platform ‍if AI is ⁣used ⁤improperly.

Addressing Concerns Over Deepfakes

The use of generative AI ⁢in election ads has prompted tech⁤ companies​ and federal regulators ⁤to establish guidelines. In August, the Federal Election Commission⁢ voted ‍to consider⁢ a petition that would broaden the definition of​ “fraudulent misrepresentation” to include deepfakes, which are digitally altered images designed to ⁣spread false information.

Notably, at least two presidential candidates have utilized AI-generated images in their‍ political campaigns. Former President Donald Trump featured AI-generated images of himself, while Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) released an ⁣ad with ⁣fabricated⁢ pictures of Trump​ embracing Anthony Fauci.

Google has‌ previously taken measures to prevent the dissemination of false claims through election ads. In 2018, the company implemented an identity verification ⁣process for users. Additionally, ‍in‍ 2020, Google adopted a policy to remove content​ spreading‌ false claims ⁢about the 2020 ⁢elections, although it announced in June of this year that it would‍ cease removing such claims.

Click⁣ here to read ⁢more from The Washington ⁢Examiner.

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