Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) has introduced legislation to protect voters against artificial intelligence-created election misinformation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Securing Elections from AI Deception Act seeks to ban the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to deprive or defraud individuals of their right to vote and require disclaimers on AI-generated content.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDeceptive AI-generated content is a threat to elections, voters, and our democracy. AI-generated content is a powerful new tool requiring oversight and regulation to ensure our elections are secure, and the rights of voters are protected. This threat is no longer theoretical. It is quickly making its malevolent presence known and will likely get much worse,\u201d Brown said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am especially concerned that deepfake images, audio, and video will be used to target Black and minority voters whose voting rights have historically and consistently been under threat,\u201d she continued. \u201cCombining 21st century technology with old-fashioned voter suppression and misinformation is a dangerous combination.\u201d<\/p>\n
The legislation prohibits AI-generated images sending out deceptive messages on the time, place, or method of voting; eligibility requirements to vote or register to vote; endorsements; and requirements for voting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It also prohibits using deception, threats or intimidation or fraud to try to interfere with an individual\u2019s right to vote.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Those caught using AI for such actions could face penalties or fines under the legislation.<\/p>\n
AI, including fake audio and images, has already been used to promote narratives around the 2024 election. Many of these efforts have targeted Black voters, a critical base for Democrats.<\/p>\n
In more than one instance, supporters of former President Trump created images of him surrounded by Black supporters. Trump, who faces off against President Biden in a 2020 rematch, has been hoping to court Black voters.<\/p>\n
Then, the night before the New Hampshire primary in January this year, a host of AI-generated robocalls targeting Black voters by impersonating Biden urged voters to \u201csave your vote\u201d for the general election.\u00a0<\/p>\n