Legislators in Massachusetts have taken significant steps to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising. A new bill mandates transparency regarding the use of synthetic media in audio or video political ads. This legislation requires a clear disclosure stating “contains content generated by AI.”
Key Details of the Legislation
This bill passed with overwhelming support, achieving a 157-0 vote in the House. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration. The legislation is timely, coinciding with a growing concern about deception in political communications as the 2024 elections approach.
Previous Incidents and Legislative Context
Similar regulations have been implemented in other states, notably after a misleading robocall incident in New Hampshire involving a phony Biden message just before the presidential primary. Representative Daniel Hunt, a Democrat from Dorchester and the House Chair of the Committee on Election Laws, emphasized the importance of clarity for voters. He stated, “Voters deserve to know that what they’re seeing is real.”
Specific Provisions of the Bill
- Ads using AI-generated content must display the disclosure at the beginning, end, and throughout the duration of the content.
- The rule applies to all paid audio or video communications intending to influence voting outcomes.
- Violations will incur a fine of $1,000.
Additional Election Bills Passed
In addition to the AI regulation, the Massachusetts House also passed a bill that prohibits candidates from distributing deceptive communications within 90 days of an election. This measure aims to curb misleading representations that could harm a candidate’s reputation or mislead voters.
Details of the Deceptive Communication Bill
- Prohibits content intended to deceive voters about candidates or election dates.
- Allows individuals harmed by such communications to file lawsuits against offenders.
- This legislation passed with a vote of 154-3 and is under Senate consideration.
The efforts in Massachusetts reflect a mounting concern about the ethical implications of AI in politics and the necessity for transparency in the political advertisement landscape. El-Balad will continue to monitor these developments as legislators work to refine election laws.
