• The US Federal Election Commission (FEC) has unanimously voted to advance a petition that would potentially regulate deep fakes in political ads generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
• The FEC is aiming to prevent “fraudulent misrepresentation” in political campaigns and if AI deep fakes are included.
• There is a 60-day public comment period for policy advocates, experts, and voters to express their concerns about AI’s threat to democracy.

US Federal Election Commission Advances Petition To Regulate Political Deep Fakes

The United States Federal Election Commission (FEC) voted unanimously on Aug.10 to advance a petition that would potentially regulate deep fakes in political ads generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Robert Weissman, the president of the advocacy organization behind the petition, Public Citizen, called deep fakes a “significant threat to democracy” and urged the FEC to use its authority to ban them.

AI Deep Fake Examples

There have been instances of candidates using fake, AI-generated images as a part of their campaigns. The campaign of Flordia Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for the Republican Party nomination, spread three fake images of former U.S. President Donald Trump embracing Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Public Comment Period

In the FEC meeting, Public Citizen asked for clarification on an existing law to prevent “fraudulent misrepresentation” in political campaigns and if AI deep fakes are included. Lisa Gilbert, the executive vice president of Public Citizen said: “The need to regulate deep fakes and other deceptive uses of AI in election ads becomes more urgent with each passing day.” The FEC decided to advance the petition, with the next step being a 60-day public comment period for policy advocates, experts ,and voters to express their concerns about AI’s threat to democracy.

Petition Highlighting AI’s Threat To Democracy

This latest move follows an initial petition filing from Public Citizen in July which highlighted that deep fakes could go so far as to “swing election results” Craig Holman, a government affairs lobbyist with Public Citizen commented on this public comment period saying it will provide “a critical forum” for citizens voices be heard regarding this issue..

Final Thoughts

While there is still much work ahead before any new regulations come into play surrounding deepfake technology during elections cycles ,this advancement from the FEC marks an important step forward towards protecting our democracy from fraudulent information used against us .