The use of AI in political campaigns is a double-edged sword, as it can streamline mundane tasks but also create fake content. Some candidates have found AI tools invaluable, while others have faced criticism for using AI in misleading ways. The decline of local news outlets and the lack of familiarity with candidates could make voters more susceptible to fake information. Despite some states passing laws regulating AI in politics, Congress has yet to act. The use of AI in politics is expected to increase, raising concerns about the integrity of future elections.
Key takeaways:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in political campaigns, with one notable example being a satirical TV commercial that used AI to depict Adrian Perkins, a mayoral candidate in Shreveport, Louisiana, as a high school student in trouble with the principal. Perkins believes the ad, which was labeled as being created with "deep learning computer technology," was one of the reasons he lost the 2024 election.
- While AI can help streamline campaign tasks and create engaging content, it can also be used to spread misinformation and fake news. This is particularly concerning for smaller, less resourced campaigns that may not have the means to counteract AI-generated falsehoods.
- Despite the potential for misuse, efforts to regulate AI in politics have been piecemeal or delayed. More than a third of states have passed laws regulating AI in politics, but Congress has yet to act.
- AI is being used in a variety of ways in political campaigns, from generating images and articles to creating podcast episodes using a cloned voice. However, there are concerns about the authenticity of such content and the potential for voters to be misled.