FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc (via Getty Images)
The FCC wants to know if the political ads you see contain images, video, or audio created by a generative AI system.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal on Wednesday to require disclosure of AI-generated content in political ads. Since this is the FCC, if adopted, the rules would apply to broadcast networks, cable operators, and satellite TV and radio providers, but would not apply to ads that appear on the internet or social media.
Additionally, this rule does not ban AI-generated content, only requires its disclosure. This applies to both candidate and issuer advertisements.
“As artificial intelligence tools become more available, the European Commission wants to ensure that consumers are fully informed when the technology is used,” Rosenworcel said in a statement. “Today, I shared a proposal with colleagues that would make it clear that consumers have a right to know when AI tools are being used in the political ads they see. I hope so.”
The FCC’s proposal comes months after a deepfake of President Biden delivered via robocall upset political commentators in New Hampshire. Biden deepfakes discouraged voters from voting in the Democratic primary, telling them to save their votes for the November election.
The FCC, which also regulates robocalls, had a previous ruling effectively making AI-generated robocalls illegal, but the commission is clearly concerned about AI’s impact on more traditional political advertising.
