National: A.I.’s Use in Elections Sets Off a Scramble for Guardrails | Tiffany Hsu and Steven Lee Myers/The New York Times
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigns is on the rise, with candidates employing AI-generated content such as fake images, videos, and messages to shape public opinion and gain an edge. This emerging trend has raised concerns among political consultants, lawmakers, and election researchers, who argue that regulations are needed to address the potential spread of disinformation and manipulation. Existing defenses, such as social media rules and content detection services, have proven inadequate in curbing the proliferation of AI-generated campaign materials. While some politicians view AI as a cost-effective tool for instant responses and data analysis, experts warn that the technology’s ability to create convincing fake content can reinforce biases, deepen partisan divides, and undermine trust in the democratic process. Legislation requiring disclaimers for political ads featuring AI-generated content has been proposed in the United States, aiming to protect voters from deceptive campaigns. Read Article