FEC initiates regulations for AI deepfakes in campaign ads.

The Federal Election Commission Takes‍ Action on Regulating A.I.-Generated Media in Campaign Ads

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has taken a significant step towards regulating the use of artificial ​intelligence-generated media in campaign ads. ⁣In a unanimous vote, the FEC has decided to consider a petition for new rules and is seeking⁤ public input on the matter.

The FEC voted⁢ unanimously​ on Thursday in favor of publishing an amended petition filed by the advocacy ‍group ⁢Public ​Citizen. This petition aims to expand the agency’s definition of “fraudulent misrepresentation” to include ⁤deepfakes, which are digitally altered images designed to spread false information. By doing so, the commission would have the authority to monitor and regulate the use of A.I.-generated images during political campaigns. ‍This move comes as concerns grow⁣ over the potential‍ for ‌widespread deception of voters.

Public ⁣Input and Comment Period

The public now has a 60-day window to provide comments on the petition. This opportunity allows individuals to express their opinions and concerns regarding the use of A.I.-generated media in campaign ads.

Previously, the vote on this matter was postponed in June ⁣due to ‌a split⁣ decision among the commissioners. The delay was partly attributed to formatting errors ⁤in the petition, as reported by⁣ The Messenger. However, Public Citizen made the necessary​ amendments in July⁣ and resubmitted the petition for reconsideration.

It is worth noting that over 50 Democratic members ⁢of Congress have expressed their support for the petition. In a letter to the FEC, they emphasized the potential for generative A.I. ‌tools to enable candidates to “fraudulently misrepresent themselves, disrupting the democratic processes that serve our country.”

Notably, at least two presidential candidates have already utilized A.I.-generated images in‍ their political⁣ campaigns. Former President Donald‍ Trump⁤ featured such images, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis used false images of Trump hugging Dr. Anthony Fauci in an advertisement.

For more information, you can click here to read the full article from The Washington Examiner.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases