Robocalls have become a significant concern during political campaigns, as they can disseminate misinformation and confuse voters. In the recent New Hampshire primary, an artificially generated robocall attacked President Biden’s campaign. The call, resembling the voice of President Biden, encouraged voters not to cast their ballots in the election. The call has raised concerns about how artificial intelligence (AI) can amplify the spread of election misinformation.
The New Hampshire attorney general’s office confirmed that they received complaints about the recorded message, which appeared to be an artificially generated version of President Biden’s voice. The office described it as an unlawful attempt to disrupt the primary election and urged voters to disregard the content of the message. They also encouraged individuals who received the call to provide the state with information about it.
The campaign organizers supporting the write-in of Biden’s name in the primary strongly criticized the robocall, calling it deep fake disinformation. They referred the call to the police in order to identify the responsible party behind it. The president of Public Citizen, Robert Weissman, highlighted the incident as an example of how deepfakes can sow confusion and perpetuate fraud. Public Citizen has been advocating for updated rules from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to address AI in campaign content.
Despite efforts to address the risks associated with AI-generated content during campaigns, progress has been slow. The FEC opened a public comment session on a rule clarification regarding the use of AI in campaigns, but it has yet to issue an update. However, there is bipartisan support in Congress for taking action.
The New Hampshire robocall serves as a reminder of the potential harm caused by deepfake technology and the need for stronger regulations to protect the integrity of elections. It also highlights the urgency for the FEC to address this issue promptly. As the use of AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding democratic processes against misinformation and voter suppression attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is a deepfake robocall?
A deepfake robocall is an automated phone call that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology to mimic someone's voice or create a fake conversation. In this case, the deepfake robocall imitates the voice of President Biden.
Why is the robocall in the New Hampshire primary concerning?
The robocall in the New Hampshire primary is concerning because it disseminates misinformation and encourages voters not to participate in the election. It raises concerns about the potential for AI to amplify the spread of election misinformation, potentially influencing the democratic process.
How did the New Hampshire attorney general's office respond to the robocall?
The New Hampshire attorney general's office received complaints about the robocall and described it as an unlawful attempt to disrupt the primary election. They urged voters to disregard its content and encouraged recipients of the call to provide information about it to the state.
Who criticized the robocall and referred it to the police?
The campaign organizers supporting the write-in of Biden's name in the primary strongly criticized the robocall and referred it to the police. They classified it as deep fake disinformation and sought to identify the responsible party behind the call.
Has the Federal Election Commission (FEC) taken any action regarding AI in campaigns?
The FEC opened a public comment session on a rule clarification regarding the use of AI in campaigns. However, it has not yet issued an update or further guidance. There is bipartisan support in Congress for addressing this issue, though.
Why is there a need for stronger regulations to address deepfake technology in campaigns?
Stronger regulations are needed to address deepfake technology in campaigns because it has the potential to sow confusion, perpetuate fraud, and undermine the integrity of elections. Without proper regulations, there is a risk that deepfake technology could be exploited to mislead voters and manipulate election outcomes.
What is the role of Public Citizen in advocating for updated rules from the FEC?
Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, has been advocating for updated rules from the FEC to address AI in campaign content. They are highlighting incidents like this robocall as examples of the harm caused by deepfake technology and the importance of safeguarding democratic processes against misinformation and voter suppression attempts.
What is the significance of this incident in relation to AI-generated content during campaigns?
This incident underscores the potential harm caused by deepfake technology and its ability to spread misinformation during political campaigns. It emphasizes the need for prompt action from the FEC and stronger regulations to protect the integrity of elections from AI-generated content. It serves as a reminder to stay proactive and vigilant in safeguarding democratic processes against evolving technologies and potential attempts at manipulation.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
