Newly proposed laws relating to artificial intelligence (AI) seek to curb the spread of election misinformation and protect Hollywood actors.
On Tuesday, a group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced new legislation to ban political campaigns from using AI, specifically to prevent them from misinforming the public about their opponent’s views.
The bill’s introduction comes as Congress struggles to regulate rapidly advancing technology, with experts warning that it could flood voters with misinformation. There is growing concern, particularly about the dangers of “deepfakes”—AI-generated videos and images that can appear highly realistic, potentially leaving voters uncertain about what is real and what is fabricated.
Lawmakers said the bill would empower the Federal Election Commission to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in elections, much like it has overseen political misrepresentation for decades. The FEC has already begun considering such regulations.
“Right now, the FEC does not have the teeth, the regulatory authority, to protect the election,” Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick and Representatives Adam Schiff, Derek Kilmer and Lori Chavez-DeRemer are sponsoring the bill.
Fitzpatrick and Schiff acknowledged the slim chances of the bill passing this year. However, they do not anticipate significant opposition and suggested it could be added to a must-pass bill during the final days of the congressional session.
Schiff called the bill a modest but crucial first step in tackling the threat of deepfakes and other AI-generated false content, emphasizing that its straightforward approach is a strength.
Screens displaying the logos of OpenAI and ChatGPT photographed on January 23, 2023. Two new laws have been introduced in efforts to combat AI on election misinformation and the protection of Hollywood actors.
LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images
Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed legislation that seeks to ban the unauthorized use of AI in hopes of protecting Hollywood actors.
“We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers. This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used,” Newsom said in a statement.
Prompted by last year’s Hollywood actors’ strike over low pay and fears that AI could replace workers, a new California law will soon allow performers to exit contracts if vague terms permit studios to digitally clone their voices or likenesses using AI.
The law, which takes effect in 2025, is supported by the California Labor Federation and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
“It is a momentous day for SAG-AFTRA members and everyone else because the AI protections we fought so hard for last year are now expanded upon by California law thanks to the legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom. They say as California goes, so goes the nation!” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
