The New Hampshire House passed a bill requiring disclosure language in political ads featuring deceptive synthetic media, such as voice-cloning software and image generators. Concerns about the spread of misinformation through artificial intelligence tools have arisen, with incidents such as AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice during the presidential primary. Despite the calls being orchestrated by a political consultant to showcase the dangers of AI, they were found to have violated the state’s voter suppression law. The bill mandates disclosure for deceptive AI use in political advertising within 90 days of an election, with exemptions for satire or parody.
Sophisticated AI tools are already being utilized in elections across the U.S. and the world, raising alarms about the potential for misinformation campaigns. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently vetoed Republican voting and election audit bills while greenlighting crackdowns on political AI. The legislation passed by the New Hampshire House aims to address the growing concerns about the impacts of AI on political advertising and the spread of deceptive synthetic media. By requiring disclosure language for AI-generated content within political ads, lawmakers hope to increase transparency and accountability in the election process.
The bill introduced in New Hampshire includes specific guidelines for disclosure language in political ads featuring manipulated or generated content through artificial intelligence technology. The language would explain that the image, video, or audio presented in the advertising is not authentic and has been altered through AI. This measure aims to educate voters about the potential presence of deceptive synthetic media in political campaigns and to promote transparency in the use of emerging technologies like voice-cloning software and image generators.
The New Hampshire bill passed by the House without debate and has been sent to the Senate for further consideration. It includes exemptions for satire or parody, allowing for creative expression while ensuring that deceptive AI use in political advertising is clearly identified for viewers. The legislation reflects a growing awareness of the risks posed by AI tools in shaping public perception and influencing electoral outcomes. By imposing disclosure requirements on political ads featuring synthetic media, lawmakers seek to mitigate the spread of misinformation and safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
The use of artificial intelligence in political campaigns has raised concerns about the potential for manipulation and misinformation, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability. With AI tools becoming increasingly sophisticated, the need for regulations to address deceptive synthetic media in political advertising has become more urgent. The New Hampshire bill represents a proactive step towards regulating the use of AI in political campaigns and ensuring that voters are informed about the authenticity of the content they see during elections.
In conclusion, the passage of the bill in the New Hampshire House marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over the impact of artificial intelligence on the democratic process. By requiring disclosure language in political ads featuring deceptive synthetic media, lawmakers hope to address the growing concerns about misinformation and manipulation in election campaigns. As AI tools continue to evolve, it is crucial for policymakers to stay ahead of the curve and implement regulations that promote transparency and integrity in the electoral process. The New Hampshire bill sets a precedent for other states to follow in regulating the use of AI in political advertising and protecting the democratic principles of free and fair elections.
