The FCC is contemplating implementing regulations for AI in political ads.
On a Wednesday announcement, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel requested her fellow commissioners to back her push for legislation concerning AI-manipulated deepfakes, as concerns rise about their potential effects on elections.
She shared in a statement, "With AI tools getting more accessible, the Commission aims to ensure consumers are thoroughly informed whenever the tech is integrated into content they watch." Rosenworcel added, "Today, I've presented my fellows with a proposal that clarifies consumers have the right to be notified when AI is involved in political ads they encounter. I pray they act expeditiously on this matter."
Wednesday's proposal aims to instate a rulemaking procedure at the FCC, which could span over several months.
The proposal lists new regulations targeting both TV and radio, as well as cable and satellite providers. Advertisers employing these platforms would be compelled to make audible disclosures if their advertisements incorporate AI-crafted content. The FCC won't oversee internet-based media, such as streaming platforms or social media.
Within the proposed statutes, political advertisers would also be required to supply written disclosures in the public records that are mandated for broadcasters to share.
This FCC move seeks to address a significant void in AI regulation within the realm of political advertising.
Current US electoral law forbids campaigns from falsely representing other political entities, but it's uncertain if this ban extends to AI-generated content.
Last summer, Republican members of the Federal Election Commission thwarted a motion that might have established AI-generated depictions as falling under this ban; the FEC has since resurrected the topic, although not having reached a decision.
Meanwhile, some Congress members have introduced legislation to curtail AI's influence in elections. In March, Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar and Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski proposed the AI Transparency in Elections Act, which could necessitate AI disclosures on political ads.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, has underscored the critical necessity for Congress to institute guidelines for artificial intelligence, especially in relation to elections. Last week, he and a team of bipartisan senators issued a legislative framework. However, several policy experts are skeptical amid an election year that streaming platforms and social media companies have taken autonomous actions against AI in political ads, including requiring campaigns to unveil the use of deepfakes and banning their in-house generative AI tools for political advertising.
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In light of the FCC's proposal, tech companies in the business of political advertising might need to disclose their use of AI-crafted content in their announcements. This move could potentially inspire a shift in the tech industry's approach towards AI transparency in political advertising.
Source: edition.cnn.com
