Michigan Bans Deepfake Political Ads: Stay Informed!
Published on: March 10, 2024
Michigan is set to join a growing number of states in addressing the deceptive uses of artificial intelligence in political campaigns. New legislation, expected to be signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, mandates clear disclosures for political ads created using AI, especially within 90 days of an election. This move comes as a proactive measure against the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes, which are capable of misrepresenting individuals through fabricated media.
Deepfakes, created using generative AI, pose a significant risk of misleading voters and undermining the integrity of elections. This concern is particularly acute as the 2024 presidential race approaches, with fears that such technology could be used on a scale and speed previously unseen.
Michigan's legislation will require any political ad using generative AI to clearly state its AI-generated nature. This includes a mandatory separate disclaimer for any deepfake content used close to elections, ensuring viewers are aware that the depicted speech or conduct is manipulated.
Violations of these proposed laws could lead to criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines, underscoring the state's commitment to combating deceptive political advertising. The bill's passage aligns Michigan with states like California, Texas, and Washington, which have already enacted similar regulations.
At the federal level, discussions continue as lawmakers from both parties recognize the need to legislate deepfakes. A recent Senate bill seeks to ban materially deceptive deepfakes related to federal candidates, with allowances for parody and satire.
The Federal Election Commission has also taken steps towards regulating AI-generated deepfakes in political ads. Meanwhile, social media giants like Meta and Google have introduced policies requiring disclosures for AI-created political ads on their platforms.
Michigan's approach to AI regulation reflects a broader understanding of the technology's potential to impact democracy. With states and federal entities working to address these challenges, the collective effort aims to ensure the responsible use of AI in the political sphere.