Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of politics, offering campaigns highly targeted ways to reach specific voters. However, concerns are being raised about how AI could potentially be used to undermine trust in government systems. Vermont’s secretary of state, Sarah Copeland Hanzas, recently discussed these concerns in an interview with Vermont Public’s senior political correspondent Bob Kinzel. They highlighted the benefits of AI in targeting campaign messages but also warned about the deceptive and misleading ways in which AI tools can be used.
One major concern is the spread of misinformation through AI-generated content, such as fake videos, photos, and audio. The interview also mentioned a recent example of an AI-generated robocall impersonating President Biden to discourage voters from supporting him in the New Hampshire Democratic primary. This incident raised awareness of the dangers of AI in politics and the need for transparency in AI-generated political ads.
As the 2024 election approaches, Vermont Public is urging voters to stay vigilant and trust their instincts when encountering potentially deceptive political content. Secretary Copeland Hanzas suggested working with the legislature to introduce disclosure requirements for AI-generated campaign material. While regulations are being considered at both the state and federal levels, there are challenges related to jurisdiction and First Amendment issues.
Overall, the increasing use of AI in politics is a double-edged sword, providing valuable targeting capabilities for campaigns while also posing risks to the integrity of elections. Voters are advised to be cautious and scrutinize political content to distinguish between reality and AI-generated misinformation. As the debate continues on how to address these concerns, it is evident that AI will play a significant role in shaping future election landscapes.
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Photo credit www.vermontpublic.org
