FCC chair seeks AI disclosure for political ads

US Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed on Wednesday that political ads on radio and TV disclose any content generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Rosenworcel is urging her colleagues to vote on advancing a rule that would mandate such disclosures in both candidate and issue advertisements. This rule would not ban AI-generated content in political ads but would require clear on-air and written disclosures. The regulation would apply to cable operators, satellite TV, and radio providers; however, the FCC lacks authority over internet or social media ads and streaming services. The FCC has already taken measures against misleading AI use in political robocalls.

These concerns align with those of former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who warned in March that AI could pose significant challenges for elections globally. Similarly, Microsoft has noted that even simple deep fakes can effectively influence elections, and highlighted that China is leveraging AI to stir discord among US residents on social media.

There is increasing apprehension in Washington that AI-generated content could deceive voters in the upcoming presidential and congressional elections in November. Some senators are pushing for legislation to address AI-related threats to election integrity before the elections.