AI tools could arrive on political ads too as the US Federal Communication Commission tries to catch up with the rapid developments in the tech industry.
According to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, AI technology could come to political ads on TV, radio, cables, and satellite providers in the condition that an on-air disclosure of AI use is included.
Broadcasters would also be required to verify with political advertisers if they ever used generative AI in producing the ads, PBS News reported.
Streaming services are not included in the proposed regulation as they are outside the FCC's jurisdiction.
It is worth noting that the Republican National Committee, former President Donald Trump's political party, has already aired a 100% AI-generated ad last year depicting a dystopian future if US President Joe Biden get re-elected next year.
The decision on the proposal is expected to take several months, although the chairwoman hopes the regulation will be finalized before the 2024 US Elections in November.
Rosenworcel's proposal marks the second time the commission has taken steps to address the growing AI use in the field.
The commission earlier banned the use of AI-generated voices in robocalls and spam calls after an AI deepfake of Biden circulated in New Hampshire during the Democrat's first primary last January.
Also Read : FCC Outlaws AI-Generated Voices in Robocalls
AI Becomes Center Piece in the Upcoming 2024 Elections
The deepfakes of Biden went viral as the US government grapples with the effects of AI technology in politics with the upcoming elections.
Deepfakes of political figures, presidential candidates in particular, continue to circulate on the internet as the lack of direct regulations hinders agencies from cracking down fully on AI.
AI-powered misinformation and disinformation have also increased over the past months with experts expecting a huge surge as the November voting polls inch closer.
AI Firms Limits Political Impersonation
Several AI firms have already imposed new policies blocking the impersonation of political figures at varying degrees of success as Biden's face continues to circulate in AI spaces.
An Associated Press report, however, noted that the likenesses of Biden and Trump were reportedly seen in AI image generator Midjourney.
Midjourney CEO David Holz later said to temporarily halt all politics-related content on the platform as "this moderation stuff is kind of hard" for an 11-person team alone.
OpenAI has also prohibited chatbots from impersonating political figures across its platforms as part of its commitment to curb misinformation ahead of the elections.
