How political ads using A.I. could create distrust among voters

How Political Ads Using A.I. Could Create Distrust Among Voters

Concerns about using artificial intelligence to mislead are in the spotlight today, fueled by a well-known owner of a social media platform. CD News Chief Business Correspondent Taylor Young delves into the issue, focusing on a viral video that has stirred debate over AI's role in political ads.

Viral Video Sparks AI and Political Ads Debate

Over the weekend, a video appearing to be a campaign ad for Vice President Kamala Harris amassed millions of views. However, it only takes a few seconds to realize something is amiss. Despite some viewers applauding the message, others are calling for the video's removal or for a disclaimer to be added.

"I, Kamala Harris, Senior Democrat candidate for president," the video begins. It sounds and looks like a legitimate political ad, seen by more than 130 million social media users since Friday.

The Role of AI in Content Creation

The crucial difference? This ad has been altered using artificial intelligence. "There are tools out there making it really easy to create voiceovers and videos by pulling a few clips together," said an expert, highlighting how someone with basic knowledge and some time can significantly impact views and opinions.

Hours after the clip was uploaded, AI ethicist and Harvard graduate Paige Lord took to social media to spark a conversation about responsible AI use. Her post also went viral. "People need to know about this and have a good understanding," she emphasized, referring to the 1-minute and 52-second clip that included real footage but altered speech from a Harris campaign ad.

Elon Musk's Controversial Role

The altered content was reposted by tech billionaire and owner of X, Elon Musk. The voiceover in the clip claims to be Harris, making controversial statements about her competency and background. No disclaimer indicates the video has been altered.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

While parody content is protected under the First Amendment, many argue that Musk violated his platform's policies by sharing manipulated media. "The challenge here is when parody crosses into misinformation, fooling viewers into thinking the person actually made those statements," Lord said.

Her critique would remain unchanged if the video targeted a Republican candidate. She warned that such videos could lead to further division and mistrust among Americans. "It could put people in a position where they really can't trust anything," she noted.

Regulatory Proposals

This controversy surfaces just months after the FCC proposed regulations on using AI in political ads. If these regulations pass, broadcasters would need to announce on-air when AI-generated content is used. It remains unclear if these new regulations will be in place before the November presidential election.

Keywords

• Artificial Intelligence
• Misinformation
• Political Ads
• Kamala Harris
• Elon Musk
• Social Media
• AI Ethics
• FCC Regulations

FAQ

1. What sparked the recent debate over AI and political ads?

   • A viral video, altered to appear as a campaign ad for Vice President Kamala Harris, initiated the debate.

2. Who posted the altered video on social media?

   • Tech billionaire and owner of X, Elon Musk, reposted the video.

3. What are the main concerns about this altered video?

   • The video misleads viewers into thinking Harris made certain statements, sparking ethical and legal concerns about misinformation.

4. What role did AI play in the creation of the video?

   • AI tools were used to create voiceovers and video clips, making it appear authentic.

5. What actions are the FCC considering regarding AI in political ads?

   • The FCC proposed regulations requiring broadcasters to announce when AI-generated content is used, though it’s unclear if these will be in place by the next presidential election.

6. How could misleading AI videos affect the public?

   • Such videos could lead to increased division and mistrust among the public.