FCC Explores New Rules for Disclosure of AI in Political Ads
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking steps to strengthen the country’s enforcement mechanisms for artificial intelligence (AI) by considering new rules for disclosing the use of AI in political ads. In a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC announced that it will be initiating investigations into nationwide requirements for labeling AI used in political advertising on TV and radio.
The FCC’s proposed rules aim to address concerns surrounding the potential for deceptive information to be provided to voters through the use of AI-generated content in political ads. One specific concern is the use of “deep fakes,” which are altered images, videos, or audio recordings that make it appear as though individuals are saying or doing things they did not actually say or do, or events that did not actually occur.
The proposed rules would require live, on-air, and written disclosures of the use of AI in political ads. Furthermore, the FCC plans to define the scope of “AI-generated content,” a crucial step in establishing clear guidelines for its use in political advertising. The rules could apply to cable operators, satellite TV providers, and radio providers, but would not impact internet streaming services.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of AI safety and consumer awareness in the proposal. She called on fellow regulators to take action, stating that consumers have the right to know when AI tools are being used in the political ads they see. Rosenworcel hopes that her colleagues will swiftly address this issue.
Notably, the FCC’s proposal does not seek an outright ban on AI-altered content in political advertising, despite growing concerns. Instead, it focuses on ensuring transparency and informing consumers about the use of AI in political ads. The proposed rulemaking process is expected to take several months before a finalized set of requirements is established.
In the meantime, the responsibility for labeling AI-generated content lies with individual companies and AI developers. This places the onus on them to disclose when AI tools are being used in political advertisements. However, with the FCC’s proposed rules, there is potential for a more standardized approach to ensure transparency and protect voters from deceptive practices in the future.