- FCC considers new rules for political ads on TV and radio involving AI disclaimers.
- Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel advocates for transparency amid concerns over AI-generated deepfakes.
- Proposal targets broadcast TV, radio, cable, and satellite providers, mandating on-air and written disclosures.
- Existing US election law doesn’t clearly address AI-generated content; discussions ongoing.
- Legislators propose bills like the AI Transparency in Elections Act to regulate AI in political ads.
- Despite bipartisan efforts, doubts persist about passing significant AI legislation during an election year.
- Online platforms like Meta implement their measures, requiring disclosures and banning certain AI tools.
Main AI News:
In a move towards enhancing transparency in political advertising, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is contemplating new regulations that would mandate disclosures regarding the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in TV and radio commercials.
Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has urged fellow commissioners to endorse these regulations amidst mounting concerns over the potential disruption of elections by AI-generated deepfakes. “As artificial intelligence tools become more accessible, the Commission wants to ensure consumers are fully informed when the technology is deployed,” Rosenworcel emphasized in a press release. She presented a proposal to her colleagues emphasizing consumers’ right to awareness regarding the use of AI tools in political ads.
The proposal, unveiled on Wednesday, initiates a rulemaking process at the FCC expected to unfold over several months. It targets broadcast TV and radio, along with cable and satellite providers. According to the suggested rules, political advertisers on these platforms must provide on-air disclosures if their advertisements incorporate AI-generated content. Notably, the FCC lacks jurisdiction over internet-based media such as streaming video services and social media platforms.
Additionally, the proposal mandates written disclosures in the public files broadcasters are obligated to maintain. This move aims to address a significant regulatory gap concerning the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising.
Current US election laws prohibit campaigns from fraudulently misrepresenting other candidates or political parties, but the applicability of these laws to AI-generated content remains uncertain. While a move to clarify this issue was obstructed by Republicans on the Federal Election Commission last summer, discussions on the matter have since been revived without reaching a conclusion.
In response to the regulatory vacuum, several lawmakers have introduced legislative proposals to regulate AI in elections. The AI Transparency in Elections Act, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Murkowski, is a bipartisan effort aimed at requiring AI disclaimers on political ads. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has emphasized the pressing need for Congress to establish guardrails for artificial intelligence, especially in the context of elections. Despite bipartisan efforts, skepticism remains regarding the passage of substantial AI legislation during an election year.
Meanwhile, major online platforms like Meta have implemented their measures to address AI in political advertising. Meta mandates campaign disclosures regarding the use of deepfakes and prohibits the utilization of its proprietary generative AI tools for political purposes.
Conclusion:
The FCC’s proposed regulations signify a crucial step towards transparency and accountability in political advertising, particularly concerning the use of AI-generated content. While legislative efforts and industry initiatives aim to address the regulatory gap, uncertainties persist about the effectiveness of these measures, posing challenges for businesses navigating the evolving landscape of AI in political campaigns.
