New York State has introduced a bill that would mandate the disclosure of AI-generated campaign ads, speeches, and robocalls. The move comes in response to the increasing use of artificial intelligence to influence voters and consumers. The proposed legislation aims to regulate the uncontrolled use of generative AI and synthetic media in politically oriented ads. If passed, the bill would require political ads created with the assistance of AI to carry a clear disclaimer stating, This communication was generated using artificial intelligence. Violators could face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per offense or the cost of producing the communication.
Spearheaded by Assemb. Clyde Vanel, a Democrat from Queens, the bill has gained bipartisan support, with Republican Sen. Jake Ashby as its sponsor in the Senate. However, the sponsorship from a Republican may present a hurdle, as bills sponsored by Democrats generally have a better chance of progressing in Albany, where they control both the Senate and Assembly. Sen. Ashby, for his part, expressed optimism that all lawmakers would recognize the need to regulate the use of unverified AI technology in political campaigns.
It is worth noting that the bill does not specifically target deepfake images, which can distort the image or speech of political opponents. Earlier this year, separate legislation was approved to address deepfakes. The bill, awaiting the signature of Gov. Kathy Hochul, was sponsored by Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemb. Amy Paulin, both Democrats. Their bill focuses on the use of manipulated visual content, whereas Vanel’s bill primarily concerns the disclosure of AI involvement in political messaging.
The introduction of this legislation follows a Stanford University study conducted in February, which demonstrated AI’s ability to sway voters’ opinions on contentious subjects. The findings suggest that AI-generated content could significantly influence individuals’ views on important issues, such as gun control and climate change. With the increasing sophistication of AI, lawmakers are faced with critical questions about how to regulate its use and its potential impact on the democratic process.
The proposed bill’s sponsors argue that voters should be well-informed and make choices based on issues that matter to them. By requiring disclosure of AI-generated campaign material, they aim to uphold the integrity of elections and protect the democratic process from manipulation. The bill is expected to be debated during the legislative session in January 2024.
As the use of AI continues to grow in political campaigns and communication, establishing regulations and transparency measures becomes crucial. By taking steps to ensure the responsible use of AI in politics, New York State hopes to safeguard the integrity of its elections and strengthen democracy.
