Recently, a set of proposed laws emerged, focusing specifically on artificial intelligence (AI) and its usage in the political field. The main aim of this innovative legislation is to obstruct any attempt by political campaigns to disseminate misleading information about their competitors’ ideology. These uncertain times see us grappling with technological advancements outpacing regulation, which leads to bipartisan lawmakers calling for stricter rules. They warn us of the perpetual danger of artificial intelligence being exploited to confuse the electorate with falsified information.
Much of the heightened concern comes from the pervasive threat posed by ‘deepfakes.’ These are super-realistic videos and images generated through AI, the potential of which could cloud the voter’s judgment to distinguish real from the manufactured. The legislation introduced aspires to strengthen the Federal Election Commission’s hand to take command over the use of AI in elections. This regulation would add to their existing responsibility of monitoring political misrepresentation for years on end.
A start has been made on such regulations by the FEC. The legislation is backed by Representatives Fitzpatrick and Adam Schiff. With a dose of realism mixed with optimism, both Fitzpatrick and Schiff understand the slim odds of the bill being ratified this year. Yet, their anticipation of minimal resistance to it could open up the possibility of its integration into another unavoidable bill that needs to be passed before the congressional session ends.
Schiff sees the bill’s potential. Recognizing the unprecedented threat posed by AI-generated false content like deepfakes, Schiff views the bill as a humble yet vital initial measure. Its clear and straightforward approach, according to Schiff, serves as its greatest asset. In fact, this suggests the bill’s key strength being its ability to tackle this AI problem head-on by the simplicity of its approach.
Interestingly, in the famed land of Hollywood, California, an equivalent effort to limit AI’s unfettered access is simultaneously in motion. The trigger has been the Hollywood actors’ fight against low wages and fear that AI might eventually replace them in their own job. California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently signed into law for provisions that would help safeguard these actors.
Hollywood was roused into action by actors anguished over dismal compensation and fear that AI may make hefty roles redundant. Because of this, a new law will soon be available in California that allows actors to abandon contracts if there are unclear terms that might let studios digitally recreate their voices or images through AI. The well-backed law would be effective in 2025.
The law has been passed with the endorsement of the California Labor Federation and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Their backing indicates the seriousness of the situation and the importance of preventing unauthorized exploitation of AI technology. Their support provides weight and legitimacy to the law.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher was exuberant about this development, attributing it to be a tremendous achievement for SAG-AFTRA members and others alike. According to Drescher, the legal safeguards against AI exploitation that they had been championing intensely last year have been incorporated into California law. They thanked the legislature and the Governor for this accomplishment.
Euphorically, Drescher states that the legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom are the ones to thank for the development. ‘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,’ Drescher said. With their success, they believe it’s an augury of national reform as takes place in California is rumored to pave the way for the rest of the country.
In an almost glib statement, Drescher boasted, ‘They say as California goes, so goes the nation,’ implying that the successful implementation of such AI protective measures in California might stimulate similar nationwide actions. Nevertheless, despite these triumphs, do we really want AI to be continuously restricted and curtailed at the expense of progress and technological innovation? Are we not stifling our future for fear of the unknown?
Critics may argue that the Democrats’ victory in getting this law passed is small and may lead to a stifling of innovation. The fear of deepfakes is indeed real, and so is the fear of AI taking over jobs. However, should the advances of technology fall victim to the whims of politicians and unionized associations who refuse to adapt themselves or learn to keep pace with evolving technology?
Admittedly, the potential misuse of AI and the potential for misinformation is a grave concern. But the key question to ponder here is: are these laws the answer or are they merely a knee-jerk reaction by the lawmakers to the rapid technological advancements we see around us? Perhaps it is yet another attempt by Democrat-sponsored legislation to control and dictate the narrative?
In conclusion, even though these new laws centered around AI might seem appealing, one cannot help but feel that this is yet another stratagem by Democrats to stifle progress and control what is said and done. The AI field, although highly complex, holds potential for impressive feats. Therefore, we need to be careful about overreaching legislation that limits the breath of this technology at the cost of stifling innovation.