In May 2024, the Senate Rules and Administration Committee advanced three key bills on elections and AI, sponsored by Chair Amy Klobuchar. The bills aim to combat deceptive AI content by banning misleading AI-generated media, requiring labels on AI-generated political ads, and directing the Election Assistance Commission to develop guidelines for AI in elections. Although these bills made it out of committee, their future remains uncertain due to ongoing disagreements among congressional leaders.
The first bill, S. 2770, seeks to prohibit the distribution of deceptive AI-generated audio or visual media related to federal elections. It defines such media as content that misrepresents the appearance or conduct of individuals and allows for exceptions under specific conditions, such as news broadcasts with clear disclosures.
The second bill, S. 3875, mandates that political ads for federal elections created or significantly altered by AI must include a conspicuous disclaimer. Violators could face civil penalties, and the Federal Election Commission will be tasked with assessing compliance and enforcement.
The third bill, S. 3897, proposes that the Election Assistance Commission, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, develop voluntary guidelines to address the risks and benefits of AI in election administration. Despite the bills’ advancement, there is significant debate on how to balance AI innovation with election integrity and free speech protections.
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