TLDR:
- New Hampshire residents received robocalls impersonating President Biden and encouraging them not to vote in the primary election.
- An investigation identified the source as Texas-based Life Corporation and an individual named Walter Monk.
- All 50 state attorneys general’s offices, the FCC, and private organizations are working together to address the issue.
- The use of AI-generated recordings to deceive voters has significant implications for the democratic election process.
- This incident raises concerns about the regulation of AI and the potential for future misuse.
A recent incident in New Hampshire, where residents received robocalls impersonating President Biden and encouraging them not to vote, has drawn attention to the potential risks of AI in the democratic election process. The New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella launched an investigation and identified Texas-based Life Corporation and Walter Monk as the source of the robocalls. This incident highlights the need to ensure public confidence in the electoral process and the potentially devastating effects of AI-generated recordings on elections.
Efforts to address this issue have been collaborative, with all 50 state attorneys general’s offices, the FCC, and private organizations such as YouMail, Nomorobo, and Industry Traceback Group working together. However, there are concerns about whether these efforts are sufficient and whether it is already too late to prevent the misuse of AI in elections.
The use of AI in deceptive practices raises questions about the regulation of AI and its potential impact. While some may dismiss the idea of regulating AI as naive and impossible, the consequences of not even attempting regulation are significant. The incident in New Hampshire could be an indication of larger-scale misuse of AI in future elections. The nimbleness and speed of bad actors in utilizing AI for malicious purposes pose challenges for those seeking to regulate AI.
In conclusion, the New Hampshire robocall incident underscores the need to address the regulation of AI and the potential risks it poses to elections. Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential in combating AI misuse, but further efforts and regulations may be necessary to ensure the integrity of democratic processes.